Daily Brief Industrials: Alps Logistics, Daikin Industries, Nitto Kogyo, NN , WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings and more

• In late February, a specialty media outlet noted Alps Logistics (9055 JP) was up for sale. I missed that. Yesterday pre-close, a headline crossed the wires. A deal was imminent.
• Nikkei overnight said “¥150bn+ market cap”. I thought KKR might slightly overpay the Hitachi Transport System (9086 JP) multiple paid. That meant +13% today was full-ish. I was wrong.
• KKR is paying ¥5,774 to minorities, and about ¥4,084-ish to the parent, who is reinvesting at ¥5,774. This is a total knock-out price paid. HUGE MINORITY WIN.

• Alps Logistics (9055 JP) recommended a pre-conditional tender offer from a KKR & Co (KKR US) subsidiary at JPY5,774, 32.7% and 69.8% premium to the last close and undisturbed price, respectively. 
• The pre-condition is approvals under competition laws of Japan, China, the EU, South Korea and Vietnam. The tender offer is expected to start in mid-August.
• The offer represents an all-time high and is a knockout bid. While the timing of regulatory approvals is a risk, the transaction is a done deal. 

• FY2023 Success: Daikin achieved record-high sales and profit, driven by FX impacts. Despite challenges like reduced demand, the Air Conditioning business expanded in key markets.
• Ambitious Targets: FY3/25 targets include surpassing previous financial records, despite continued sluggish demand.
• Cautious Outlook: While optimistic about market share gains, reservations persist, particularly regarding heat pumps. Stock performance remains steady, trading in line with historical averages.

• News: The Nikkei on April 25th reported, “A dark cloud is hovering over the future of the electric car (EV) market.
• The low prices of Chinese EV manufacturers, backed by Chinese government subsidies, are adversely affecting the performance of related companies such as motor giant Nidec Corporation (TSE Prime: 6594).
• The spread of low-cost EVs will substantially change the structure of the industry, and investors are beginning to look out for companies that will benefit from the commoditization of EVs.

• NN Inc. is a high quality diversified industrial company that combines in-depth materials science expertise with advanced engineering and production capabilities to design and manufacture high-precision metal and plastic components and assemblies for a variety of end markets on a global basis.
• The company is targeting the electric vehicle and electric grid industries which should grow at above average growth rates.
• In 2023, the company began a series of strategic initiatives to strengthen leadership, improve profitability, and generate higher levels of free cash flow.

• WillScot Mobile Mini has completed significant acquisitions to strengthen its leadership position in modular office and mobile storage industries.
• The company believes in seizing no-brainer opportunities for acquisitions despite warnings from renowned investors like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.
• WillScot Mobile Mini focuses on strategic advantages, organic growth, high returns on investment, and disciplined valuation methodologies to create long-term shareholder value.

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