Daily IPOs & Placements: ASIC Review of Allocation in Equity Raising – Some Truths, Some Half-Truths – No Improvements and more

In this briefing:

1. ASIC Review of Allocation in Equity Raising – Some Truths, Some Half-Truths – No Improvements
2. China East Education (中国东方教育) Pre-IPO – The Company Known for Its Culinary School
3. Futu Holdings Pre-IPO – Great Metrics but in a Commoditised Industry
4. China Tobacco International IPO: Heavy Regulation, Declining Margins – A Bit Late to IPO Party
5. Futu Holdings IPO Preview: Running Out of Steam

1. ASIC Review of Allocation in Equity Raising – Some Truths, Some Half-Truths – No Improvements

Over 2017-18, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) undertook a review of allocation in equity raising transactions. The review involved large and mid-sized licensees (brokers), Issuers, International investors and other international regulators. The results of the review were published by ASIC in Dec 2018. This insight highlights some of the key findings.

It’s good to see that some of the standard practices of banks allocating more to existing clients and participants of earlier deals have at least been acknowledged. Even though some institutional investors have outright labelled the allocation process as a “black box”, ASIC doesn’t seem to want to do much about it.

The area where ASIC is more concerned is the messaging to investors which highlights the different definitions of “well-covered” across banks. Although, the banks seem to have mislead the regulator on interpretation of “real-demand” with ECM bankers saying that all orders are taken at face-value. That raises a whole new level of questions on the messaging around demand for the deal.

2. China East Education (中国东方教育) Pre-IPO – The Company Known for Its Culinary School

China Xinhua Education (2779 HK) listed in Q1 of 2018 and we wrote in our insight that the founder had vocational schools that have been separated from China Xinhua that seemed to be his prized asset. Fast forward to December 2018, the prized asset has finally filed its draft prospectus under the entity China East Education (CEE HK) and it is looking to raise US$400m in its IPO.

In this insight, we will analyze the company’s financial and operating performance, compare it to listed education companies, and provide some questions we have for management.

3. Futu Holdings Pre-IPO – Great Metrics but in a Commoditised Industry

Futu Holdings Ltd (FHL US) plans to raise around US$300m in its US IPO. The company is backed by Tencent Holdings (700 HK) , Matrix Partners and Sequoia, who together own over 45% of the company.

The founding team comes mostly from Tencent, which might explain Tencent’s large stake in the company. Growth for the company has been stupendous despite the jittery markets, with margin financing adding to the top-line growth. 

While its low costs will help it to steal clients from the more traditional brokers, other new low-cost brokers seem to be offering similar services at comparable rates. In addition, the company is not licensed or regulated by any entities in China, despite the majority of its client base being Chinese nationals. Furthermore, the company plans to expand into newer overseas market where it doesn’t seem to have much of a cost advantage.

4. China Tobacco International IPO: Heavy Regulation, Declining Margins – A Bit Late to IPO Party

China Tobacco International (GHALPZ CH) is a subsidiary and offshore unit of China National Tobacco Corp., a state-owned enterprise (SOE). The company procures tobacco leaves from regions around the world and exports tobacco leaf products and branded cigarettes to the duty-free outlets outside China’s customs area and in Southeast Asia.

The IPO is expected to raise US$100M and the company expects to use the proceeds to expand market share, acquire new cigarette brands, working capital, and other corporate purposes.                      

5. Futu Holdings IPO Preview: Running Out of Steam

Futu Holdings Ltd (FHL US) is the fourth largest online broker in Hong Kong. Futu has filed for a Nasdaq IPO to raise $300 million, down from an earlier indication of a $500 million raise according to press reports. Futu is backed by Tencent Holdings (700 HK) (38.2% shareholder), Matrix Partners (6.1%) and Sequoia Capital (4.0%).