This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. HSCEI/HSTECH/HSIII Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Changes, Flow & Positioning
- The constituent changes for the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX), Hang Seng TECH Index (HSTECH INDEX) and HSIII Index will be announced after market close on Friday.
- We forecast 2 changes for the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX), 1 change for the Hang Seng TECH Index (HSTECH INDEX) and 3 changes for the HSIII Index.
- With same-way and opposing flow on stocks from different passive trackers, the one-way trade is currently estimated at HK$5.2bn (US$672m). That will change with final capping done on 3 September.
2. Select Sector Indices – HUGE Impact of Proposed Constituent Weighting Changes
- S&P DJI have started a market consultation to change the index weighting methodology for the Select Sector Indices to reduce concentration and avoid reverse turnover.
- There is US$281bn tracking the Select Sector Indices from the SPDR ETFs. The market consultation will have a larger impact on indices where there is a high degree of concentration.
- The largest inflows are expected in Apple, Conocophillips, Amazon.com and Netflix while the largest outflows will be from Microsoft, NVIDIA, Chevron, Procter & Gamble, Exxon Mobil, Costco Wholesale and Meta Platforms.
3. To Tender Or Not – Gauging The Future of Sun Corp (6736)
- The revised/final True Wind Tender Offer for up to 19% of Sun Corp (6736 JP) ends this week. With the “excitement” the last two weeks, the SunCorp/CLBT ratio is higher.
- The minimum threshold is relatively low. The Tender will most likely succeed with very high pro-ration.
- For those on the edge, I discuss possibilities on the back end. It will be less liquid, but that may not be bad.
4. TCM (570 HK): A Spoonful Of Sugar …
- A 14.8% gain month-to-date, including this past Monday’s 6.5% pop – you just knew something positive was taking place behind closed doors. And leaking its way into the public.
- So it was no real surprise to read in the latest monthly update announcement on the HKEx that various regulatory approvals are almost, but not quite, satisfied.
- The wording in the announcement strikes a positive tone. Even remaining conservative on the timeline, this could be wrapped up before year-end.
5. J Tower (4485) – Once Ambitious, Still High Growth, Sells Itself Low/Cheapish.
- JTower (4485 JP) IPOed itself Dec-2019 at ¥1,600/share. An 8-bagger in a year, fell by half, doubled, fell 70%, then doubled, fell 35%, up 50%. That’s the first 3yrs.
- Since then, the trend has been lower. The stock is down 80+% in 2 years, especially painful after an equity raise at just under ¥5,000 6 months ago.
- But the stock today closed at ¥1,430, and the Tender Offer is at ¥3,600. A 150% premium. That’s big, but it may be “too low.” An interesting case.
6. China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK): Relief as Update Favours the Bulls
- China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK)’s monthly update reinforces the bull case. The gross spread has remained uncomfortably high since falling on no news on 26 June.
- The monthly update will relieve the bulls, as the consortium has finally made the regulatory submissions. The update stresses that the filing delay is due to an unwieldy consortium.
- Potential stumbling blocks remain, which should not be an issue. Nevertheless, the risk (17.7% downside to the undisturbed price)/reward (21.4% gross spread) remains attractive.
7. CPMC (906 HK) Responds To Champion’s Offer
- On the 30th July 2024, packaging play CPMC Holdings (906 HK) dispatched the Composite Document for the HK$6.87/share, in cash, Offer from SASAC/NCSSF-backed Champion.
- The Response Document, including the IFA opinion (with a fair & reasonable conclusion) has now been dispatched.
- However, the focus remains on ORG Technology Co., Ltd. A (002701 CH)‘s superior HK$7.21/share Offer, which is currently negotiating the necessary regulatory approvals.
8. Greatview Aseptic Packaging (468.HK) – The Story Behind The “Hostile Offer”
- The connection between Newjf and Greatview is deep. Newjf expressed an interest in acquiring Greatview early on, but the two parties didn’t reach an agreement. Greatview is not entirely “innocent”.
- Newjf’s decision to forcibly acquire Greatview at this moment should be made after careful consideration. Mengniu may not necessarily oppose this merger. Mengniu is likely to take a neutral stance.
- Newjf’s Offer is attractive. In the absence of a more realistic action by Greatview to make a higher Offer, we advise investors not to walk away from Newjf’s Offer easily.
9. Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for September
- Post market close on Friday, Hang Seng Indexes will announce the changes for the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) that will be implemented at the close on 6 September.
- With no constituent changes in March and 1 add/1 delete in June, there could be more changes in September with Health Care stocks among the potential inclusions.
- Changes to the Hang Seng Industry Classification System (HSICS) will be implemented from the September rebalance and that will alter industry coverage.
10. Merger Arb Mondays (12 Aug) – China TCM, Canvest, GA Pack, Fuji Soft, Fancl, Descente, Takiron
- We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
- Highest spreads: Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK), China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK), Canvest Environmental Protection Group (1381 HK), Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB MK), Asia Cement China (743 HK).
- Lowest spreads: Fuji Soft Inc (9749 JP), Second Chance Properties (SCE SP), Descente Ltd (8114 JP), C.I. TAKIRON Corporation (4215 JP), Fancl Corp (4921 JP).
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. Thinking About The Toyota Tender Offer Buyback
- In May when shares were trading near ¥3,500-3,600, Toyota announced a ¥1trln buyback. When shares fell, they announced a Tender Offer Buyback at a large discount (¥2,781/share).
- Subsequently, the shares fell very sharply on Thursday 1 August, then again Friday and yesterday. That put shares WELL below the Tender Offer Price. That creates possible opportunity.
- This insight discusses modalities (talk to your advisor for specific advice/info) who might do what and why. It sets parameters. But I think Toyota is cheap here.
2. Go-To Arbs Amid Market Carnage
- As global market roil, clean M&A deals come into focus.
- This insight briefly summarises those transactions in Asia/Oceania which are expected to comfortably complete, irrespective of the background noise.
- Standout deals include APM Human Services (APM AU), Huafa Property Services Group (982 HK), Alps Logistics (9055 JP), I’Rom Group (2372 JP), and Arvida (ARV NZ).
3. Alibaba (9988 HK/BABA) Dual Primary Listing: Are We There Yet?
- In its last update, Alibaba Group announced that the company was preparing for its primary listing in Hong Kong and the process was expected to complete by the end August.
- The Board meets on 14 August to approve results for the three months ending June. Could there be an announcement on the dual primary listing too?
- Mainland Chinese own between 3.5%-15.5% of companies that converted from Secondary to Dual-Primary in the last few years. Similar buying in Alibaba could take the stock higher from here.
4. How Has the Index Rebalance Strategy Performed During Market Turmoil?
- The market turmoil over the last few trading sessions has not been kind to a simple index rebalance strategy of buying the forecast adds and selling the forecast deletes.
- The overall returns and stock specific returns indicate that trades are more crowded in some indices as compared to others and traders should consider that when position sizing.
- Anecdotally, periods of negative returns are followed by periods of strong returns for the strategy as weak hands are shaken out of their positions.
5. China TCM (570.HK) Privatization Update – Things Are Still Manageable
- What disappoints investors is that privatization progress is slower-than-expected. Since approval is in “advanced stage”, August update is eye-catching. Investors may need more patience with this type of SOE deal.
- The key to the success of this privatization lies in whether CNPGC is willing to abide by its commitments. If yes, CNPGC will take all measures to solve the problems.
- According to our valuation calculation, even without this privatization, HK$3.5/share is fair for China TCM. Reasonable share price is above HK$5/share. Don’t forget, the privatization is still on the agenda.
6. Kokusai Electric (6525): Global Index Inclusion Highly Dependent on Free Float
- 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.
7. Itochu (8001 JP) Launches Lowball TOB for Descente (8114) – Buying China on the Cheap
- Today, Itochu Corp (8001 JP) announced it would launch a Tender Offer when approvals were received, to buy out minorities in Descente Ltd (8114 JP) at ¥4,350/share.
- Itochu was buying at that price or higher, in the market, in October 2023. Earnings and book are up since then. Outlook for the Descente China Holdings affiliate? Great.
- The valuation transparency is disappointing. Activists would have 3mos or so to push for more. But with friendly holders, they get very close to the minimum anyway.
8. JPX Nikkei 400 Index Rebalance: A Bunch of Chunky Adds & US$6bn Trade
- There are 44 adds/41 deletes for the JPX Nikkei 400 Index to bring the number of index constituents back to 400. There are stocks with multiple days ADV to trade.
- Based on the adds, deletes and capping changes, we estimate one way turnover of 7.9% and a round-trip trade of JPY 880bn (US$6bn).
- The adds have outperformed the deletes over the last year though that has been faded over the last couple of months. Breaking with history, there could be outperformance near-term.
9. KKR ¥8,800 Takeover of Fuji Soft (9749) – Details and Arb Grid
- KKR has announced its previously leaked takeover of Fuji Soft Inc (9749 JP). Two activists with 30+% between them have agreed to tender at ¥8,800.
- Given what the founder, crossholders, and other arbs own, this gets done easily. Congrats on the win to the activists.
- We will see more activism and more pressure on under-earning companies to go private to clean themselves up outside the public eye. Big opportunities for years.
10. Update: Shinko Electric (6967) Shorter-Dated and Break Risk Small but GAP RISK Now Much Higher
- 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.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. Fancl (4921) – Extendy-Extendy-Bumpity-Bumpity
- The Kirin Holdings (2503 JP) Tender Offer to buy out minorities in Fancl Corp (4921 JP) closes today. Or at least the current one does.
- The original deal announced was light, and the stock has traded above terms since the announcement, with one fund buying up to 7.94%.
- I expect Kirin to extend and bump next week, or bump/extend now, depending on their visibility on Fancl Q1.
2. Sep24 Nikkei 225 Rebal Final Predictions – Fastie Capped, Still 1 ADD, 1 DELETE, 1 Dark Horse and ?s
- The Sep 2024 Nikkei 225 Review base date is here. As before, I see one ADD, one DELETE, one capping, and one Very Dark Horse.
- The rules are clear, but not. This causes confusion. There may be unwritten rules keeping the Very Dark Horse out til next time.
- The Nikkei Index Team announced Fast Retailing (9983 JP) would be capped. I didn’t expect that now. That means $2.2bn+ of selling 30Sep and a reverse funding trade.
3. Rio Tinto (RIO AU/LN): Thinking About The “Unification”
- Just shy of three years ago, BHP (BHP AU) announced the unification of its dual-headed corporate structure to make BHP “simpler and more agile”.
- Collapsing DLCs/share-classes was all the rage back then. The prior year, Unilever (UNA NA) collapsed its DLC; and Royal Dutch Shell unified its A and B lines in 2021.
- Rio (RIO AU/LN) is one of only a handful of remaining DLCs. Renewed investor calls to unwind the DLC and the recent UK’s listing regime reform necessitate a rethink.
4. India: Potential Free Float Changes & Passive Flows in August
- Companies in India have disclosed their shareholding pattern as of end-June in July. There are companies with significant float changes from end-December and/or end-March.
- The changes in free float could be reflected in domestic and global indices over the next few weeks and months resulting in action from passive trackers.
- Depending on the date that the shareholding was published, there could be 12 stocks with passive inflows from global trackers while 5 could see passive outflows in August.
5. [JAPAN ACTIVISM] – Murakami Group Bigger and Bolder on Exedy – STILL Room to Run
- In late May, Toyota Group member Aisin (7259 JP) announced it would sell its 37% stake in Exedy Corp (7278 JP). The market dropped. But that was an opportunity.
- There was an announcement, a ToSTNeT-3 buyback, the offering, and more buyback to come. On 30 May, I said “Buy the deal, buy in the market. It’s cheap and vulnerable.”
- Exedy is up 21% since. On 17 June, activist Murakami-san’s group went over 5%. Then they bought more. Now they have 15%. Or more. Still cheap. Still vulnerable.
6. Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Preview (Sep 2024): Review Period Done; Fast Retailing Capping Confirmed
- The review period for the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) September rebalance ended yesterday. There could be three changes at the rebalance with sector balance in focus for the additions.
- Fast Retailing (9983 JP)‘s capping in the index has been confirmed and its index weight will drop by around 0.9% resulting in big selling at the close on 30 September.
- Passive trackers will need to buy between 3.5-35x ADV (2.4%-24% of real float) on the inclusions and sell between 3.7-42.5x ADV on the deletions.
7. Japan – Passive Selling in a Few Weeks & Shorts Build Up
- Up to 12 stocks could be deleted from global passive portfolios in August. The deletion will lead to liquidity events where trackers will need to sell multiple days of ADV.
- There has been a buildup of shorts on nearly all these stocks though the extent of the pre-positioning varies.
- The increase in shorts is smaller than the estimated passive selling, though there is a fair amount of variability across the names.
8. True Wind Raises Partial Offer for Sun Corp Further, Leaving an Interesting Back End
- On 10 June, Sun Corp subsidiary Cellebrite DI (CLBT US)‘s SPAC sponsor True Wind Capital launched a Tender Offer for 19% of SunCorp at a premium but discount to NAV.
- The price was too low. CLBT shares rose. They lifted the TOB price by 8% to ¥4750. Still too low. It was trading there. Now they have lifted to ¥5500.
- Now a 49% premium to undisturbed, 29.4% premium to all-time high prior to the first tender. Changes in terms means this could get done. More bullish than it looks.
9. Merger Arb Mondays (29 Jul) – China TCM, Canvest, CPMC, GA Pack, Tohokushinsha, Furukawa, Tatsuta
- We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
- Highest spreads: Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK), China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK), Canvest Environmental Protection Group (1381 HK), Greatview Aseptic Packaging (468 HK), Asia Cement China (743 HK).
- Lowest spreads: Fancl Corp (4921 JP), Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP), Infocom Corp (4348 JP), L’Occitane (973 HK), Qantm Intellectual Property (QIP AU), Alps Logistics (9055 JP).
10. CPMC (906 HK): Champion’s Offer Now Open. But All Eyes On ORG’s Tilt
- Back on the 6th December 2023, packaging play CPMC Holdings (906 HK) announced a pre-conditional Offer of $6.87/share, in cash, from SASAC/NCSSF-backed Champion.
- The Offer Document is now out. This is not a Composite Document. A “Response Document” is expected in two weeks, which will include the IFA opinion.
- All the above is moot. ORG Technology Co., Ltd. A (002701 CH)‘s superior HK$7.21/share Offer is currently navigating the necessary regulatory approvals. With irrevocables, ORG has 46.44% in the bag.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. Kokusai Electric (6525 JP): Placement Price Could Be Determined Today; Index Impact Could Be Delayed
- Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) could price their secondary offering after market close today. The stock is down 10.5% since the rumors of the placement began 7 trading sessions ago.
- The Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index (SOX INDEX) has been dropping over the last few days and is 8.6% lower over the last 8 trading days.
- Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) has been trading higher on expectations of index inclusion in August, but that could move to November now.
2. Furukawa Battery (6937) – Ugly Process in Virtual Take-Under Take-Private
- Today after the close, Advantage Partners announced the intention to launch a TOB to take over Furukawa Battery (6937 JP) at ¥1,400 – a 26% premium to last.
- This will require substantial time to obtain regulatory and foreign investment clearances so it is anticipated the Tender Offer will be launched at end-March 2025. I expect that is conservative.
- The price paid to minorities is a premium. But the price paid by the buyer is actually a takeunder. And it gets worse from there.
3. The Naspers/Tencent & Prosus/Tencent Stub: Entry Levels so Attractive It Looks Too Good to Be True
- Discounts likely set for a re-rating as market continues to overreact to appointment of CEO amid good set of results.
- The discounts of both Naspers and Prosus have continued to widen since the appointment of Fabricio Bloisi to Group CEO was announced in May (effective 10 July).
- At the end of June, the group released its strongest set of results in years, delivering on consolidated ecommerce profitability ahead of target.
4. Fancl (4921 JP): Evaluating the Potential of Kirin (2503 JP) Offer Bump
- Kirin Holdings (2503 JP)’s JPY8,620 offer for Fancl Corp (4921 JP) closes on 29 July. The shares have traded above terms for 25 out of the 26 trading days.
- MY.Alpha Management has amassed 10.3 million shares (8.51% ownership ratio) with several purchases above terms. MY.Alpha could catalyse other shareholders to rally against a light offer.
- The emergence of MY.Alpha, the high volume above terms, peers re-rating, the required minority acceptance rate, and an offer unattractive to historical trading ranges increase the probability of a bump.
5. Canon Marketing (8060) – Finally Using Its Cash, But It Is Walking The Walk With No Talk Behind
- Today after the close, Canon Marketing Japan (8060 JP) announced a large Tender Offer Buyback from its parent company Canon Inc (7751 JP). Canon will tender 20mm shares (15.42%).
- This is a very capital efficient way to conduct a buyback from a parent, and an even better way for a parent to sell shares of a sub.
- This corporate action will reduce equity by 20%, and partially clean up the messy inter-company transactions which should not exist.
6. KRX’s Plan to Integrate KOSPI & KOSDAQ into a Tiered System: Trading Considerations
- The major framework of this realignment is likely decided, integrating KOSPI and KOSDAQ into a tiered system based on liquidity, market cap, and financial status, with periodic replacements.
- The KOSPI 200’s continued existence is uncertain under the new realignment plan, which may shift its role to the value-up index, resembling Japan’s market restructuring model.
- The first-tier market’s entry requirements will likely reflect value-up index criteria, suggesting greater speculative money movement toward the value-up index starting in September.
7. Tohokushinsha (2329 JP) – 3D Investment Partners Proposes Take-Private
- 3D Investment Partners, known to be activist-ish-y, purchased 18% of Tohokushinsha Film (2329 JP) in the 12 months to March 2024. They started a public activism campaign in February.
- The company has started down a better governance track, but now 3D has made a takeover proposal to Tohokushinsha, which will consider it under Special Committee.
- There are a couple of possible outcomes here which are interesting to consider. There are no other spoilers possible except those friendly to founders and management.
8. NIFTY50 Index Rebalance Preview: Big Flow, Big Impact, Big Positioning
- Trent Ltd (TRENT IN) and Bharat Electronics (BHE IN) are shoo-ins to replace LTIMindtree (LTIM IN) and Divi’s Laboratories (DIVI IN) in the NIFTY Index (NIFTY INDEX) in September.
- Passive NIFTY Index trackers will need to trade at least 3.3x ADV and 7.7x delivery volume on the stocks. There is some opposite flow from Nifty Next 50 Index trackers.
- Cumulative excess volume has increased in all stocks but there are some stocks where there will still be more positioning over the next few weeks.
9. Merger Arb Mondays (22 Jul) – China TCM, GA Pack, Huafa, Samson, CPMC, Fancl, Tatsuta, Capitol
- We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
- Highest spreads: Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK), China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK), Asia Cement China (743 HK), Canvest Environmental Protection Group (1381 HK), Greatview Aseptic Packaging (468 HK).
- Lowest spreads: Tatsuta Electric Wire & Cable (5809 JP), Alumina Ltd (AWC AU), Fancl Corp (4921 JP), Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP), Infocom Corp (4348 JP), Hollysys.
10. Sep24 S&P500 Index Rebal – Two Changes Expected; $6bn One-Way Flow and Two Spinoffs?
- The S&P 500 index tracks the 500 largest names listed in the US and it is one of the most highly-tracked indices in the world.
- In this insight, we take a look at the upcoming constituent changes in the run up to the September 2024 index rebal event.
- We expect two regular changes during September. More interestingly, a couple of SP500 members are working on spin-offs which could trigger some high-impact deletions over the next few months.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. Asics (7936 JP): Huge Forecast Revision to Offset Limited Passive Buying
- 15 shareholders are looking to sell between 73.9-85m shares (US$1.2bn-US$1.38bn) of ASICS Corp (7936 JP) in a secondary offering that will likely be priced on 23 July.
- ASICS Corp (7936 JP) has also announced a huge upward revision to its sales and profit forecasts with EPS expected to increase 61% from earlier estimates.
- Passive buying will be extremely limited in the short-term with the downward pressure offset to a large extent by the sales and earnings revisions.
2. Samson Holding (531 HK): Chairman’s Scheme Privatisation at HK$0.48
- Samson Holding (531 HK) disclosed a Cayman scheme privatisation offer from Mr Samuel Kuo (Chairman) at HK$0.48 per share, a 77.8% and 50.0% premium to undisturbed and last close price, respectively.
- The key condition will be approval by at least 75% of disinterested shareholders (<10% of all disinterested shareholders rejection). The offer price is final.
- The attractive takeover premium, lack of shareholders holding a blocking stake, and low AGM minority participation rate point to a done deal. However, this is a small cap illiquid stock.
3. China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK): Update Provides Fodder for Bulls and Bears
- China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK)’s monthly update provides ammunition to both the bulls and bears. Since falling on no news on 26 June, the spread has widened to 31.8%.
- The bull view is that while the timelines are delayed, the privatisation remains on track as the update shows ongoing progress in satisfying the pre-condition.
- The bear view is that progress remains glacial, as the consortium wants to withdraw from a binding offer by failing to satisfy the pre-condition before the long stop date.
4. Hong Kong: Stocks Facing the Passive Boot in August
- There are a bunch of stocks listed in Hong Kong that have underperformed the HSCEI INDEX and their peers and could be deleted from global passive portfolios in August.
- The deletion from passive portfolios will lead to a liquidity event at the end of August where passive trackers will need to sell multiple days of ADV.
- There has been a big jump in cumulative excess volume in some stocks and the A/H premium on a lot of the names has jumped over the last few months.
5. Japan – Yet Another Big Round of Passive Selling Expected in August
- There are a bunch of stocks that have underperformed the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) and their peers and could be deleted from global passive portfolios in August.
- The deletion from passive portfolios will lead to a liquidity event at the end of August where passive trackers will need to sell multiple days of ADV.
- Shorts have been built up on all the stocks over the last few months and the extent of the positioning varies across stocks.
6. Merger Arb Mondays (15 Jul) – China TCM, Canvest, Henlius, Hollysys, Second Chance, Anasarda, Rex
- We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
- Highest spreads: Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK), China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK), Canvest Environmental Protection Group (1381 HK), A8 New Media (800 HK), Asia Cement China (743 HK).
- Lowest spreads: Fancl Corp (4921 JP), Tatsuta Electric Wire & Cable (5809 JP), Alumina Ltd (AWC AU), Nagatanien Holdings (2899 JP), Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP), Infocom Corp (4348 JP).
7. Doosan Group: Index Implications of the Corporate Restructuring
- The Doosan Group are planning to restructure Doosan Enerbility (034020 KS), Doosan Bobcat Inc (241560 KS) and Doosan Robotics (454910 KS) by reorganizing the business structure to find synergies.
- Doosan Enerbility will spin-off its stake in Doosan Bobcat and merge it with Doosan Robotics. Doosan Robotics will then look to acquire full control of Doosan Bobcat via a share swap.
- There could be an adhoc inclusion to the KOSPI200 INDEX at the end of October and global passives will buy Doosan Robotics (454910 KS) at the time of merger completion.
8. S&P/ASX Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Changes from Now to September
- With nearly 80% of the review period complete, there could be 28 adds/deletes across the S&P/ASX family of indices in September.
- There is a lot of stocks for passive trackers to trade on the index changes with the largest impacts on the potential changes to the S&P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX).
- The potential adds have outperformed the potential deletions by a LOT over the last few months and continued positioning could lead to further gains.
9. MMG (1208) – Rights Results Show High Take-Up, Small Unhedged Portion
- Friday post-close, MMG (1208 HK) released the results of its Rights Offering. 3.4654bn Rights Shares at HK$2.62 saw 98.18% take-up. New Rights Shares officially start trading on 16 July.
- The other 1.82% (63.1mm Rights Shares) saw 6.383bn excess Rights Shares applications. EAFs were allocated evenly, so applicants got 0.99% of what they bid for, but hey, free money?
- The new Rights Shares are expected to commence trading on 16 July. Even better, there was good fundamental news out late Sunday which should add to the general wellbeing.
10. Kokusai Electric Placement Updates – Misbehaving
- KKR and KSP Kokusai Investments are looking to raise approximately US$1.7bn through an extended secondary follow-on offering, via selling approximately 22.3% of Kokusai Electric (6525 JP).
- We have looked at the lockup expiry and deal dynamics in our earlier notes.
- In this note, we talk about share price performance since then.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Preview (Sep 2024): Potential Adds/Deletes, Capping & Funding Changes
- The review period for the Nikkei 225 Index September rebalance ends in three weeks. There could be three changes at the rebalance with sector balance used for the additions.
- Depending on the changes, passive trackers will need to buy between 3-57x ADV (2.4%-24% of real float) on the inclusions and sell between 3.7-8.4x ADV on the deletions.
- Fast Retailing (9983 JP)‘s index weight is currently higher than 10% and that will result in capping in September. Passives will need to sell 6x ADV in the stock.
2. S&P/ASX 100/200 Index Adhoc Rebalance: Potential Replacements for Altium (ALU AU)
- With all regulatory approvals received, the Scheme Meeting for Renesas Electronics (6723 JP)‘ acquisition of Altium Ltd (ALU AU) will take place on 12 July.
- If approved at the Scheme Meeting and at the Second Court Hearing, Altium Ltd (ALU AU) will stop trading from the close on 19 July.
- The replacements for Altium Ltd (ALU AU) in the ASX100/200 indices could be announced late this week with implementation at the close on 19 July.
3. Toyota Group Cross-Holding Structure Primer – Holdings, Unwind Progress, Buyback Policies, Etc
- Last September in the release of its new Mid-Term Management Plan, Toyota Group member Aisin (7259 JP) announced a plan to cut cross-holdings to zero. JTEKT Corp (6473 JP) followed suit.
- It started with a selldown of Denso Corp (6902 JP), then Toyota Industries (6201 JP), now Aisin. Last FY, Toyota Group cos reduced crossholdings by ¥870bn. This year will be more.
- Attached below is a general breakdown of Toyota Group cross-holdings, discussion of cross-holding policies, and analysis of what is next, and what is not.
4. Kokusai Electric (6525 JP): Placement, Buyback & Index Flows
- KKR and KSP Kokusai will offer 52.51m-60.38m shares (US$1.76bn-2bn) of Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) in a secondary offering that will likely be priced on 22 July.
- Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) will also buy back up to JPY 18bn of its shares. At the last close, that is 3.33m shares (1.2x ADV).
- Trackers of one global index will buy stock at the time of settlement of the shares. The (much) bigger buying will come at the end of August.
5. Merger Arb Mondays (08 Jul) – China TCM, L’Occitane, A8 Media, GA Pack, Asia Cement, Hollysys, MMA
- We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
- Highest spreads: Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK), China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK), A8 New Media (800 HK), Greatview Aseptic Packaging (468 HK), Asia Cement China (743 HK).
- Lowest spreads: Fancl Corp (4921 JP), Great Eastern Holdings (GE SP), Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings (9099 JP), Tatsuta Electric Wire & Cable (5809 JP), Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP).
6. Fast Retailing (9983) – Great (Bte) Earnings Now Out of The Way; Anticipating End-July Capping Data
- Yesterday after the close, Fast Retailing (9983 JP) reported salutary Q3 earnings, and raised its full-year (to August) guidance and its final dividend forecast (by ¥50/share)
- Q3 revenue and profit gained sharply (Rev +13.5%, OP +31.2%) everywhere but Greater China. OPMs were up, especially in Japan. Early summer has been good, despite FX impact.
- New guidance is above consensus, the ADR popped, and with slightly stronger yen on US CPI, that should help. But we approach end-July. Expect lots of pop-sellers.
7. Shanghai Henlius Biotech Update (2696.HK) – The Story Behind Privatization
- Fosun’s preferred arrangement for Henlius is to list the Company in A-shares.Since IPO in A-shares failed and Henlius has begun to generate profits, Fosun finally feels the need for privatization.
- Due to its “flaws”, undervaluation of Henlius in the Hong Kong stock market is difficult to fundamentally change. So, for conservative/cautious investors, Fosun’s one-time acquisition at a 30% premium is attractive.
- The Potential Share Alternative Offer seems a good option, but it is uncertain whether investors are still willing to believe in Fosun’s “good story” – the future re-listing is uncertain.
8. Details of Two Doosan Mergers Involving Enerbility, Robotics, & Bobcat
- The restructuring plan of Doosan Group announced today primarily consists of two merger events aimed at transferring the stake in Doosan Bobcat held by Doosan Enerbility to Doosan Robotics.
- The 50% price cut on Doosan Enerbility’s share price for merging with Doosan Robotics boosts Robotics’ advantage. This resulted in a swap spread opening with Doosan Bobcat.
- Considering an arbitrage strategy in the Doosan Robotics and Doosan Bobcat swap needs caution due to shareholder approval risks, especially with Doosan Enerbility’s low controlling stake potentially complicating the process.
9. Fy23 GPIF Results and Portfolio Changes – Outlook for FY24
- Last year, the GPIF as a whole returned 22.67% in yen terms. As a whole, GPIF outperformed its benchmarks by 0.04% after paying 0.02% in fees and costs.
- GPIF traded ¥30trln of assets – relatively high turnover for a fund which espouses very low turnover – but there’s a reason for that. There were also sharp active/passive moves.
- This year is the last year in the “cycle” of the “old” Policy Allocation Framework. A new one is likely to be introduced this year.
10. Canvest Environmental (1381 HK): Possible Privatisation at HK$4.90
- Grandblue Environment Co A (600323 CH) disclosed a potential pre-conditional privatisation of Canvest Environmental Protection Group (1381 HK) at HK$4.90 per share, a 20.7% premium to the last close price.
- Completing the capital injection from SOE entities into the offeror is a precondition. Grandblue also proposes that the controlling shareholder roll over 7.23% of its effective 44.75% stake.
- While not a knockout bid, the offer is reasonable. Shareholders with blocking stakes should support a binding proposal. Timing is the key risk.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. China TCM (570.HK) Update – Behind The Share Price Plunge and Prospects for Privatization Progress
- The slow progress of privatization is related to recent high-level changes in CNPGC. Decisions on SOE deals with “strategic purpose” require careful considerations, not based on “one leader’s personal preferences”.
- Based on public information, we cannot find convincing reason to prove that CNPGC has changed its mind.There’re rumors that China TCM’s privatization is still considered important project on the agenda.
- China TCM’s has strong fundamentals to support valuation. If there is no announcement, the privatization process is expected to proceed as usual, and we continue to wait for the voting.
2. BIG ¥500bn Honda (7267) Offering Coming?
- Today just before the close, Reuters came out with an article saying Japan’s four major insurers and some financial institutions would offer ¥500bn of shares in a secondary offering.
- That implies about 275-280mm shares (insurers hold ~195mm). In May, Honda announced a ¥300bn buyback with earnings, with nothing done so far.
- The supply/demand dynamics here are key. There are a lot of moving parts over time. Honda is cheaper than it looks but there are moving parts there too.
3. HDFC Bank (HDFCB IN): Foreign Room Crosses 25%; Index Implications & Positioning for US$5bn+ Buying
- Foreign shareholding in HDFC Bank (HDFCB IN) has dropped to 54.83% and that results in foreign room crossing the ‘magical’ 25% mark.
- The increase in foreign room could lead to passive trackers of a global index needing to buy 256m shares (US$5.3bn; 11.5x ADV) at the end of August.
- There will definitely be positioning in the stock but there should still be upside in the stock. The HDFC Bank (ADR) (HDB US) line was up 4.5% overnight.
4. TIP Taiwan Technology Dividend Highlight Index Rebalance: 12 Changes & US$4bn Round-Trip Trade
- There are 12 changes for the TIP Taiwan Technology Dividend Highlight Index in June/July. The Fuh Hwa Taiwan Technology Dividend Highlight ETF (00929 TW) has an AUM of US$7.16bn.
- One-Way turnover is estimated at 35% and that will result in a round-trip trade of TWD 134.7bn (US$4.1bn). There are 8 stocks that could have over 5x ADV to trade.
- The ETF started rebalancing their portfolio on Friday and will continue to trade the stock over the next 7 trading days.
5. JAPAN ACTIVISM: Strategic Capital Target Daido (3205) Now A Murakami Target Too
- Small cap Japanese manufacturer and purveyor of apparel Daidoh Ltd (3205 JP) has consistently been a target for value investors. In late 2022, Strategic Capital went over 5%.
- They have bought more, and as of end-March, they declared 24.85% of TSO (28% of voting rights), but they have 33%. They made proposals for the AGM. They won one.
- Now Murakami-san has bought in, going over 5%. This gets interesting. Together they have 39.4% as of last week, and probably more now. That should get them 50+% next AGM/EGM.
6. HSCI Index Rebalance Preview and Stock Connect: Potential Changes in September
- We see 37 potential adds (including plenty of new listings) and 25 potential deletes (on market cap and liquidity) for the Hang Seng Composite Index in September.
- We expect 32 stocks to be added to Southbound Stock Connect following the rebalance while 24 stocks could be deleted from the trading link and become Sell-only.
- There are stocks that have a very high percentage of holdings via Stock Connect and there could be some unwinding prior to the stocks becoming Sell-only.
7. ESR Group (1821 HK): Consortium’s Expansion Talks Suggest Progress
- Bloomberg reports that the bidding consortium is in talks to bring in other partners, such as QIA, PIF, and CPP Investment Board, to aid in privatising ESR Group (1821 HK).
- Warburg Pincus and OMERS have blocking stakes for a Cayman scheme. Warburg Pincus is seemingly supportive, and the consortium’s expansion talks suggest confidence in meeting OMERS’ price expectations.
- Our best guess is that an offer is around HK$14.00. ESR’s current valuation is undemanding, with its forward EV/EBITDA multiple at a 40% discount compared to the median peers’ multiple.
8. Shinko Electric (6967) – Break/Gap Risk Early July 2024 Update
- 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 6mos 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 16+wks ago, recommended taking profits.
- Shinko had outperformed Ibiden, gross spreads had narrowed 5+% on JSR approval. Gross spread is now 4.6% but time is shorter so annualised is 10+% even out to December launch.
9. HSCEI Index Rebalance Preview: Two Changes Likely in September
- SenseTime Group (20 HK) and JD Logistics (2618 HK) are potential deletions while PICC Property & Casualty (2328 HK) and New Oriental Education & Techn (9901 HK) are potential adds.
- Estimated one-way turnover at the rebalance is 1.8% resulting in a one-way trade of HK$950m. Official capping will be based off the close of trading on 3 September.
- There will be 1-2x ADV to buy on the adds and over 2x ADV to sell in JD Logistics. The impact on SenseTime is lower given the recent surge in volume.
10. Japan CorpGovReport Details: TSE “Mgmt Conscious of Capital Cost/Stock Price” Details (Jul24)
- This month (June) saw 1,673 Corporate Governance Reports filed and 5 new “Mgmt Conscious of Capital Cost/Stock Price” policies filed.
- We created a tool show every report, provide links to every document, and now a new diff file tool. Put in a name, see the difference between the Old/New Reports.
- We hope this took will help. It is designed to be a shelf reference. We update the tool once a month, a couple of weeks ahead of the TSE.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK): Something Is Brewing, but Nobody Knows Quite What
- On no news, China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK) shares declined 12% today. We spoke to several readers to gauge the likely reasons for the fall.
- The speculation is that the fall could be due to forced liquidation, Sinopharm’s new Chairman pulling the offer, the consortium unravelling, SAMR issues and Ping An blocking the deal.
- There is clearly news behind today’s fall, but none of the above rumours seem credible. The risk/reward is attractive as the upside (25% spread) outweighs the downside (18% to undisturbed).
2. TCM (570 HK): Where’s The Floor?
- Just plain ugly. China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK) (“TCM”) fell 11.7% yesterday. It’s down another 7.9%, on large volume, as I type. The stock is now ~35% below terms
- Depending on who you talk to, the sudden move was triggered by a couple of event pods dumping stock; or the incoming CNPGC chairman is not supportive. Or perhaps both.
- Since rumours surfaced early Feb as to an Offer, a basket of TCM’s peers are up 8% on average. The HSI is up 15%. TCM’s downside from here appears limited.
3. MMG (1208 HK) Rights Trading Dynamics
- The MMG (1208 HK) rights, designed to raise US$1.15bn to pay off loans to the parent for the purchase of a large copper asset, start trading 24 June 2024.
- There is some risk up for grabs, and it is likely to trade according to standard Hong Kong Rights Trading Dynamics. Shorts are down somewhat, but covering should be expected.
- There is path-dependency to the Rights Trading, and while they trade for 7 trading days through Tuesday next, one should expect the volume to trade this week.
4. Tax-Loss Selling In Australia 2024 – Time To Reverse The Trade (7.2-8.6% Rtn in Two Months So Far)
- The original trade was discussed at end-April in Tax-Loss Selling in Australia 2024 – Historical Analysis and A Trade Basket then updated here and here.
- That has done OK. The LIQUID basket has delta neutral performance of +8.4% over 2mos; LIQUID+LESSLIQUID +7.2%; If one did a mixed basket (3x L+LL + 1x Illiquids) it’s +8.6%.
- Now it is time to reverse the trade, buying the basket you were short, and running it against index for the next 6-8 weeks.
5. Swire Properties (1972 HK): Potential Passive Selling & Trade Ideas
- The steady selloff in Swire Properties (1972 HK) could result in the stock being deleted from global passive portfolios in the next couple of months.
- Swire Properties (1972 HK) trades marginally cheaper than its similar sized peers on forward PE and price to book value.
- Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK) owns 82% of Swire Properties (1972 HK) and a big drop in the stock price could see them step in.
6. T-Gaia (3738 JP) – Possible Premium Takeout Story
- I kind of hate this, but I also can’t ignore it. Apparently, an expensive media service Reporting on Deals or about the Market for Mergers, had an article today.
- Bloomberg carried a small blurb saying there was “speculation on a tender offer…. according to traders”. The stock is untraded, limit up.
- The most informative comment comes from Japanese stock market portal ‘kabutan‘ which suggests “overseas media” thinks Sumitomo Corp will sell its shares. I look at the possibilities below.
7. Brilliance China (1114 HK): Reversing Out of Passive Portfolios
- Brilliance China Automotive (1114 HK) is up 220% on a total return basis since we first published our insight in August 2023.
- The company paid a special dividend in April this year and will pay a large special dividend of HK$4.3/share going ex-div on 3 July.
- The resultant drop in market cap will result in deletion of the stock from large global passive portfolios at the close on 3 July.
8. Sawai Group (4887) – BIGLY Buyback To “Drastically” Change Capital Structure
- Two years ago, generic pharmaceuticals co Sawai Group Holdings (4887 JP) traded at 10x PER, 6% ROE, and far below book. 10mos ago the price got back to 1x PBR.
- By then, their US sub had partly been put into “Current Assets AFS” as it was for sale. By Dec23, it was completely there. In Jan, a “business review” announcement.
- The US business sale led to a loss, but growth this year, and a new MTMP in early June. Monday, we got a HUGE buyback announcement. Today, an 8+% pop.
9. Chronic Insider Trading in the Korean Tender Offer Market & Time Positions for Short-Term Targets
- There is a high likelihood of information leaking through the lead securities firm when the tender offer prospectus is provided to branches about three days before the disclosure.
- With the FSS’s stricter stance, tender offer candidates may act swiftly before new regulations, prompting attention to potential surges in tender offers.
- Our approach is clear: identify short-term tender offer candidates, monitor trading volumes for spikes, and use the three-day pre-disclosure surge to time our positions effectively.
10. Midea Real Estate (3990 HK): An In-Specie Distribution to Unlock Value
- On 25 June, Midea Real Estate Holding (3990 HK) disclosed an in-specie distribution of its PD&S business through a scrip or cash (HK$5.90 per share, 57.33% premium to undisturbed price).
- The key condition will be approval of the distribution by at least 75% of disinterested shareholders (<10% of all disinterested shareholders rejection).
- Midea RE will remain listed with an asset-light retained business, which is estimated to be worth HK$1.93. The Group’s estimated value is HK$7.83, a 17.6% upside to the last close.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. JPX Proposes BIG Changes To TOPIX Rules, Affects IPOs More Than Market
- In 2021 the JPX established new Listing Rules, and in April 2022 introduced new market segments (Prime/Standard/Growth) to much fanfare. Today, the TSE basically said those changes were meaningless.
- Today, the TSE announced proposed new rules for TOPIX constituent selection. There is a 2-month consultation period, then rules come out end-Sep 2024. Expect few changes from the Proposal.
- NextGen TOPIX will be created October 2026. 3-4 dozen ADDs, 500-600 DELETEs to create an index of 1,100-1,200 names. Some obvious large impacts 2+yrs from now, but this changes IPOs.
2. [JAPAN ACTIVISM] – Murakami Group Goes Activisting on Exedy (7278) – Room To Run
- Late May, Aisin (7259 JP) announced a sell-down of its 34% stake in Exedy Corp (7278 JP) – a big non-dilutive offering, pricing 11% below undisturbed. Exedy announced a buyback.
- Announced on the 27th of May, shares fell sharply the next day, it priced on the 3rd, and offering shares traded on the 10th. Then the price started climbing back.
- My first and second pieces argued that buyback accretion, index impact, and change in register shape all meant it was a buy. Activist Murakami agreed, now he has 6.5%.
3. Blackstone Does a BIG Deal for Infocom (4348) – Minorities Get ¥6,060/Share
- 15 weeks ago, a specialised media outlet suggested Teijin Ltd (3401 JP) was in process to sell its stake in Infocom Corp (4348 JP).
- I caught up later, after the stock had run up significantly, but writing bullishly here and here. Since then, the stock is up another 33-35%.
- Today we finally got the announced deal. Blackstone will buy the stock at a valuation of ¥280bn, paying ¥6,060/share for the minority stake, and buying back Teijin’s stake at ¥4,340/share.
4. Great Eastern (GE SP): Inching Towards Suspension
- Back on the 10th May, OCBC (OCBC SP) made a voluntary unconditional general Offer for the 11.56% in life/non-life insurer Great Eastern Holdings (GE SP) not held.
- At a 36.9% premium to last close, the S$25.60/share Offer Price appeared fair. Yet GE has consistently traded through terms, potentially as someone seeks to block delisting, and negotiate terms.
- OCBC has now declared terms final. The IFA says “not fair, but reasonable” – and recommends shareholders accept the Offer. GE will be suspended at the close of the Offer.
5. Guzman Y Gomez IPO: Listing & Index Inclusion Timeline
- Guzman Y Gomez (0817833D AU) has raised A$335.1m in a primary + secondary offering, valuing the company at A$2.23bn. The stock starts trading on the ASX Ltd (ASX AU) today.
- Just over 54% of the shares are escrowed which means there is a lot of stock that will be available for sale on listing day.
- Guzman Y Gomez (0817833D AU) could be added to the S&P/ASX 300 Index in September and there could be global index inclusions in November and December.
6. TOPIX Market Consultation: Wider Next-Gen Universe in a Couple of Years; But Stocks Moving Already
- JPX has commenced a market consultation on changes to the TSE Tokyo Price Index TOPIX (TPX INDEX) including expansion of the universe and periodic stock selection.
- Based on current market cap/ liquidity, there could be 38 adds and 447 deletions for the TSE Tokyo Price Index TOPIX, though the changes only start in October 2026.
- The deletions will be phased out of the index in 8 steps that will end in July 2028 and most of the stocks will move to the TOPIX Next-tier.
7. Shin-Etsu Chem TOB for Rest of Mimasu Semi (8155) – Far Too Cheap, But No Squeaky Wheel No Grease
- Shin Etsu Chemical (4063 JP), owner of a 44% stake in Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP), will launch the TOB to buy out Mimasu minority holders, as pre-announced 2mos ago.
- Not surprising. They bought in 19yrs ago, raised to 40+% 18yrs ago, then waited. Finally, we have a deal. It’s too cheap but in 18yrs, I recall zero activism here.
- Shin-Etsu starts with ~45%, and crossholders and the chairman get it to 53%. Then they need a bit to get them to 67% but it should be straightforward.
8. Merger Arb Mondays (17 Jun) – Fancl, Tatsuta, A8, China TCM, GAPack, CPMC, Malaysia Airports, Bapcor
- We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
- Highest spreads: Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK), Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US), Fancl Corp (4921 JP), Asia Cement China (743 HK), Ansarada Group Ltd (AND AU).
- Lowest spreads: Tatsuta Electric Wire & Cable (5809 JP), Mma Offshore (MRM AU), Great Eastern Holdings (GE SP), Alumina Ltd (AWC AU), Nagatanien Holdings (2899 JP).
9. Pref-Centred Dividend Plays with Expanded ISA Tax Benefits in Value-Up Context
- Local stock market focuses on ISA tax benefits expansion; political push for higher tax-exempt limits seen as pivotal event.
- Investors expect dividend stocks to outperform due to ISA tax advantages: tax exemptions within limits and lower 9.9% taxation on excess amounts, boosting ISA-based equity investments.
- ETF influence declining; ISA tax benefits may boost dividend plays, heightening interest in preferred stocks tied to efforts to redeem them, impacting equity costs.
10. Sep24 Nikkei 225 Rebal – Still 1 ADD, 1 DELETE, 1 Dark Horse, But #2-Ranked ADD Is Close
- The Sep 2024 Nikkei 225 Review base date is six weeks away. One can no extrapolate results quite accurately. It still gives us one ADD, one DELETE, and capping fun.
- Recently, Yanai-san sold more Fast Retailing (9983 JP). More active holders own more stock (which may mean less interest to buy later), and only 1% to go to avoid capping.
- There should be one DELETE, one ADD. There is a low-probability Dark Horse ADD but I expect Kokusai Electric (6525) to be added in March 2025.
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Event-Driven and Index Rebalance on Smartkarma.
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1. Unsolicited Partial Offer for 19% of Sun Corp (6736 JP) – Play on Cellebrite from SPAC Sponsor
- Sun Corp (6736 JP) for years has been a play on its investment holding in Cellebrite DI (CLBT US), brought to market in a $2.4bn SPAC deal announced 30Aug2021.
- The SPAC entity was an entity called TWC Tech Holdings II Corp (TWC = “True Wind Capital”). The next day, Cellebrite DI (CLBT US) was born, trading up to US$11.00+.
- Sun Corp (6736 JP)‘s value realisation path had begun. Today, a True Winds entity announced a Partial Tender Offer – unsolicited, unannounced previously – on Sun Corp, for 19.0%.
2. Mandatory Block Deal Pre-Announcement Requirement in Korea Starting 24 July: Impact on Block Deals
- Starting 24 July, there will be a mandatory pre-announcement requirement for block deal sales in Korea.
- In other words, the major shareholders of the Korean companies need to report publicly prior to their actual sales of their stakes in these companies through block deal sales.
- The potential block deal sales candidates could continue to underperform on average the companies that are selling these stocks in potential block deal sales in the next several weeks.
3. Yuanta/P-Shares Taiwan Div+ ETF Rebalance: One Surprise as Round-Trip Trade Hits US$2.3bn
- There are 5 adds and 5 deletes to the Yuanta/P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF in June with implementation taking place from 21-27 June.
- The constituent changes and capping changes result in an estimated one-way turnover of 12.8% and in a one-way trade of TWD 37.2bn (US$1.15bn).
- The changes are in line with our forecasts with one exception. Uni President Enterprises (1216 TT) was not added and Yulon Finance (9941 TT) was added instead.
4. [JAPAN ACTIVISM] Palliser Gets ISS/GL Nods for Keisei AGM Proposals – How Will The Swing Vote Swing?
- In Oct2023, activist Palliser Capital launched a campaign on well-known “stub trade” Keisei Electric Railway Co (9009 JP) (1.6% stake). The proposal? Monetise OLC, invest for growth, be shareholder friendly.
- Keisei responded 3+mos ago: buyback and 1% OLC stake sale but said OLC would remain an equity affiliate. Palliser re-engaged in late April (Japanese/English and two AGM agenda items). Keisei objected.
- Palliser made their case, Glass Lewis and ISS support Palliser. Palliser likely cannot win. The goal here isn’t to win though. It is to get enough to raise management consciousness.
5. Helios Techno Holding (6927) TOB – Today Could Be The Day
- Rs Technologies (3445 JP) announced a TOB on Helios Techno Holding (6927 JP) 12 days ago. At a 74% premium, but that was too cheap. I discussed it here.
- Shares went limit up for two days then traded huge volume the first full day last Wednesday. The lowest trade so far in open trading is 3% through terms.
- 57% of Shares Out Ex-Treasury have traded in five days. Anyone who bought 5% on Day 1 has to file a Large Shareholder Report today.
6. Technology Select Sector Index (XLK US): NVIDIA Could Flip Places with Apple; HUGE Flows
- The Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK US) ETF tracks the Technology Select Sector Index and has an AUM of over US$70bn.
- NVIDIA Corp (NVDA US) has broken through the US$3tn market cap barrier and is very close to Apple (AAPL US) in terms of free float market cap.
- If NVIDIA ranks higher than Apple on free float market cap at the close on Friday, there could be huge inflows to NVIDIA and outflows from Apple a week later.
7. Fancl (4921) TOB – Kirin (2503) Does the Inevitable and Takes Out Minorities. Lightish But…
- Kirin Holdings (2503 JP) bought a 33% stake from the founder and several others in August 2019. Five years later, they are coming back for the rest.
- The price here is ¥2,690/share which is a 42.7% premium from yesterday’s close. Kirin paid 20+% more in 2019. Earnings fell, but they paid 37x NTM. This is 32x.
- This is lightish… but… this should get done. Activism would be difficult. There are enough shareholders who should be OK getting out. This should trade tight.
8. Sciclone Pharmaceuticals (6600.HK) Privatization Update – Some “Unstable Factors” During Voting
- Some shareholders have confirmed to be acting in concert at the Court Meeting, but long-term investors may vote against the privatization because they are not satisfied with the Cancellation Price.
- The success rate of SciClone’s privatization is lower than that of China TCM and L’Occitane. If fails, there’s a high probability that the share price will fall back to HK$14/share.
- The current share price cannot provide decent returns. Together with exchange rate risk, potential failure risks, etc., there’s no need for investors to take risks at this share price level.
9. Sun Corporation (6736 JP): True Wind’s Hostile Partial Offer
- True Wind has launched a hostile partial tender offer for Sun Corp (6736 JP) for a minimum (3.8m) and maximum (4.2m) shares at JPY4,400, 19.2% premium to the undisturbed price.
- The offer was prompted by frustration with the Board’s lack of urgency in closing the disparity between Sun Corp’s market cap and the value of its Cellebrite DI (CLBT US) stake.
- The Board has three options: do nothing (low probability), find a white knight bidder (high probability), or commit to selling/distributing its Cellebrite stake (medium probability).
10. Specifics of Korea’s Official Short-Selling Regulations, Announced This Morning
- Limiting extensions to four times after a 90-day repayment and mandating repayment after 12 months increases short-selling costs. The revision omits limits on position-holding cycles, disappointing retail investors.
- Today’s release did not set a timeline for short-selling resumption. The ruling party has requested it after March 2025, with key officials present suggesting next year March resumption.
- Regarding the electronic system implementation, core content aligns with the draft, but newly revealed institution numbers add a new perspective. Uncertainties remain on integrating overseas stock borrowing into the system.