We are short $AREC, a fatal combination of self dealing transactions, low quality mining assets, promotional tactics, and highly stressed liquidity.
Quantum Computing Inc. ($QUBT): On its way to vacuum state
The quantum industry may exist one day but the future is bleak for $QUBT.
Lilium’s misrepresentations over its technology keep mounting
We asked Prof. Volker Gollnick, an aeronautics expert, to review Lilium’s white paper. His conclusions on batteries, noise, technology, etc are very negative.
How Singapore’s regulators have failed Noble’s investors and shielded the fraudsters
Our opinion on the non-prosecution of Noble’s fraudsters
Victoria Plc ($VCP.LN): Mites under the Rug
Because of an audit that appears to be lacking, worries over the integrity of financial statements, and Chairman Geoff Wilding’s past, we are short Victoria Plc.
Battery Claims: How Lilium ($LILM) Takes its Investors for a Ride
Our follow-up report on Lilium
Lilium NV ($LILM) – The Losing Horse in the eVTOL Race
The German eVTOL has chosen the wrong technology in a very competitive race.
Hyzon Unleashes a Load of Hot Air with its 3Q21 Results
We investigate the highly suspicious guidance for 2021 based on a Chinese customer, how Hyzon tried to hide its relationship with Raven, and the prospects of hydrogen trucks vs battery trucks.
Hyzon Motors Inc ($HYZN): Trouble at the ParentCo
The bull case for Hyzon is supported by its parent company, Singapore-based Horizon. But Horizon failed to disclose that its largest customer was in default, amongst other issues. Here are our findings.
Diginex ($EQOS): Inconsistent Data Point to Massive Trading Volume Manipulation
In this new report, we review Diginex’s trading volumes and its executives’ background.
Diginex Ltd ($EQOS): A Crypto Zero
As a short-seller, we have always dreamed of a company that would put the three words “SPAC, crypto, and Singapore” in the same sentence. Enter Diginex.
EOS Energy ($EOSE) Has Just Admitted it Lied About its Contracts
What was presented as “orders” before our first report has now become “contract negotiation“.
EOS Energy ($EOSE): Fake Customers won’t Recharge a Dead Battery
We are short $EOSE, a battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) SPAC with a failed technology and dubious customers. 90% downside.
What Really Killed Nyrstar NV? Shareholders Have A Strong Case Against Nyrstar’s Board And Trafigura
We examine the very strange circumstances that led to Nyrstar’s restructuring. We believe Trafigura is on the hook for potentially hundreds of millions.
Trafigura Ignores Market Prices to Fabricate Profit and Hides Sizeable Losses on Its Balance Sheet
In this report, we describe how Trafigura uses an infamous loophole to massively overvalue assets and create fake profit.
Message to Noble Group’s Current and Past Securities Holders
The many Noble’s securities shareholders who are shocked by this scandalous restructuring are invited to contact us. Law firms we talked to are ready to challenge Noble’s scheme and start litigation to obtain a better recovery. We explain their legal options here.
Questions to Noble Group’s Management for the Q1 2018 Conf Call
We publish our questions to Noble’s management before its Q1 2018 conf call.
Dead Men Walking, an open letter by Michael Dee
Iceberg Research publishes an open letter on Noble, written by Michael Dee, ex-CEO of Morgan Stanley South East Asia.
Once Again, Noble’s Managers Are Lying. This Shameless Restructuring Plan Is Not the Only Option for Noble’s Stakeholders.
In this important report, we explain that:
– the plan is not financially viable
– obtaining the legal release from liability appears as the true objective
– we urge stakeholders to vote against Noble’s proposal and we submit alternatives
– lawsuits are the best chance of recovery for Noble’s stakeholders.
– we debunk Noble’s arguments used to scare their stakeholders
A Bad Restructuring Plan that Noble’s Creditors should reject
Our comments on a poorly negotiated outline.
Open Letter to Noble Group’s creditors
We published an open letter to Noble Group’s creditors.
We warn the creditors that:
1) the plan proposed by Noble won’t work.
2) it does not address the reasons why this company collapsed.
3) a radical change in culture and management is the only way to potentially save this company.
Tibet Water (1115.HK): Where is the Beer?
We initiate coverage on Tibet Water Resources Ltd (HKG.1115).
This company shows all the signs of financial fraud: profitability that does not make sense for what is fundamentally an OEM business, inexplicable cost structure, high debt while the company is cash rich…
Noble Group is Sinking. This Saga reveals the Complete Failure of the Regulators in Singapore.
Our latest update on the Noble crisis and the role of the regulators in Singapore.
Noble Group: How Many Times Can You Fool the Same People?
Our update on Noble’s tough quest for an investor, the alternative facts on its crisis, and how the same managers who created this fiasco still run the company.
Tutor Perini: Structural Issues Underestimated by the Market
Iceberg initiates coverage on Tutor Perini (TPC). The company’s issues are not restricted to the “unbilled”. Tutor Perini has an impressive number of structural problems that, we believe, are strongly underestimated by the market. Our report is available here.
Dismissal of Noble Group’s CEO, Yusuf Alireza
Our comments are available here.
Questions to Noble’s Management ahead of its April 14TH AGM
We listed our questions before Noble’s AGM on April 14th.
Fourth Report on Noble: How Credibility Collapsed
Our fourth Report on Noble Group is available. PDF here.
“Rumour and gossip”
Before we publish our fourth report on Noble, we review the status of our main arguments to see if really this was only “rumour and gossip” as Noble’s chairman, Richard Elman, recently described them.
Downgrade of Noble Group to junk by credit agencies
With the downgrade to junk and the structural lack of confidence in current management, Noble’s crisis is more acute every day.
Comments on the projected Agri stake sale
Once again the same old accounting tricks are used by Noble.
Comments on Noble’s 9M results
Our comments are available here.
Comments on the PwC review and Noble’s Q2 results
Our comments are available here.
Update on Noble Group (July 21st)
Confidence in Noble is clearly eroding. We explain why the “assurance review” conducted by PwC will not answer the market’s questions. The only hope is a miraculous white knight. Finding one will be a tough job. Our update here.
Questions ahead of Noble’s annual general meeting held on April 17th
We listed our main questions. Please click here.
Third Report on Noble Group, a repeat of Enron: Governance, Debt and Liquidity Headroom
We released our third report. Please click here.
Our comments on FY2014 results and Noble’s rebuttals
We released our comments on Noble’s FY2014 results. We also dissipate the smoke screen covering Noble’s fair values. Please click here.
Second Report on Noble Group, a repeat of Enron: Fair values and Operating Cash Flows
Iceberg Research released its second report on Noble Group.
Summary of findings:
- The divergence between Noble’s net profit and operating cash flows (“OCF”) is striking given its status as an investment grade company. Noble has recorded a combined $2.7b net profit since 2009. However, its operations have lost $485m in cash in the same period. OCF have continued to deteriorate since 2011, e.g. ($620m) outflows in 9M 2014.
- We believe the OCF would have been even worse without the help of inventories repos.
- The reason for the divergence between the paper profit and the OCF is the remarkable increase in the fair values of unrealised commodities contracts (or “mark-to-market”). These contracts surged from near zero in 2009 to an unprecedented net $3.8b ($5.8b assets and $2b liabilities).
- The level of Noble’s fair values has become incredible. They now dwarf all of their competitors (e.g. Glencore). They are 3.5 times the level of Enron’s contracts at its peak, eleven months prior to filing for bankruptcy.
- Similar to Enron, Noble recognises the entire profit for long maturity contracts the same day these contracts are signed.
- We explain how the valuation of commodities contracts leaves ample room for manipulation. The auditor’s opinion on the fair values listed in the annual report is as realistic as its opinion on Yancoal.
- There is very little information provided by Noble on these fair values. We uncovered a few examples of suspicious situations.
- We analysed Noble’s OCF and working capital over the past few years in depth. The group has been largely unable to realise the mark-to-market that matured during that period. Based on this analysis, we believe that at least $3.8b in fair values are overstated and should be impaired. Impairing these fair values dramatically impacts Noble’s performance indicators.
- Like Enron, Noble is now engaged in a vicious cycle: the group needs to constantly print more mark-to-markets to achieve any return on equity targets. There will be no miraculous recovery for Noble: the market will progressively realise that its fair values are largely fabricated.
Click here to download and print the second report: Report 2- Fair values and OCFc
Follow @IcebergResearIceberg’s comments on the SGX Announcement made by Noble Group on 17 February 2015
In our report, we wrote that the $603m valuation gap for Yancoal is an accounting loophole. It may be formally acceptable from an auditors point of view but it is unreasonable from an investors point of view. We think Yancoal is a straightforward issue. Noble should recognise the $603m impairment (in particular on the $100m paper profit booked in 2012), record the loss, and move on. If Noble thinks that the share price of Yancoal is massively undervalued, the group should increase its ownership percentage.
We maintain that Noble misled the market about the performance of Agri. For example, Noble has not explained why depreciation fell and why Agri’s interest expenses were subsidised by the rest of the group. The really important question is: will Noble disclose the final price paid by COFCO, AND any remaining financial commitment related to this transaction? We have not been able to consult the Agri share sale agreement that was made available to the public in the Bermuda office.
PT Pusaka Agro Lestari’s plantation business licence and a right of cultivation are in order. Our point is that the local government seems to think otherwise. Indonesia has a rather unpredictable legal environment. The political tensions associated to PT PAL will complicate the sale process. However, according to Noble, PT PAL represents only 20-25% of the palm activity, and any future profits or losses incurred upon the sale of the palm assets will be shared equally between Noble and the COFCO led consortium. We will adjust impairments and valuation accordingly.
We did not approach the group to address our concerns because we did not want to alert insiders. We also note that Noble has not answered seven of the eight questions asked at the end of our first report.
Iceberg does not hold any position, long or short, whether directly or indirectly, in Noble’s securities.
Follow @IcebergResearNoble Group: a Repeat of Enron
Iceberg Research initiates coverage on Noble Group, a large commodity trader listed in Singapore, ranked number 76 in the 2014 Fortune Global 500 with revenue of $98b, market cap of $6b, and rated investment grade (BBB-/Baa3).
We show how Noble uses accounting loopholes, or aggressive accounting, in every component of its financials (income statement, balance sheet, cash flows). Noble intentionally misleads credit agencies and investors. The auditor, Ernst and Young, is well aware of the situation. The financial similarities between Noble and the defunct commodity trader Enron are striking (e.g. overvalued assets, contracts fair values, working capital management, debt presentation). The investment grade rating is definitely not justified. We estimate Noble’s equity is less than $360m (from a reported $5.6b) after the various impairments we list in this series of reports. On a price-to-book basis, the value of Noble’s shares is conservatively valued at a mere ten Singapore cents (a 92% fall from the current share price).
The three parts of our research are:
- Associates and Noble Agri
- Fair values (Continuing operations) and operating cash flows
- Real level of debt (gross and net), so-called “liquidity headroom”, auditor and governance
At this date, Iceberg Research does not have any long/short position in Noble’s securities (neither directly nor indirectly) and does not work in tandem with funds.
First Report: Associates and Noble Agri
Summary of findings:
- Noble exploits the accounting treatment of its associates to avoid large impairments and fabricate profit.
- Yancoal is the most representative example, with a gap of $600m between the carrying and market values. However, the accounting technique has been used for other companies.
- Contrary to what Noble’s management claims, the misfortunes of these associates have a substantial cash impact on Noble.
- The proclaimed recovery of the Agri business in 2014 was manufactured through the use of questionable methods such as subsidies from the group or depreciation cuts.
- We believe the final price for the new associate Agri will be much lower than the provisional $1.5b payment; and/or that Noble will have substantial remaining financial commitments to its new associate. Noble may once again use the accounting for associates to hide the impairment.
- Selling the palm oil business will be very difficult for Noble since the licence of one of its subsidiaries has been revoked by the local government.
If these fresh Iceberg allegations are rubbish as Noble claims them to be, makes me wonder why the company halted trading of its stock??!?
LikeLike
Perhaps to prevent a complete crash of the price and to let “tempers” cool over a few days. The market tends to deal ruthlessly with bad news and even rumours. It does not wait for confirmation.
LikeLike
Enron on repeat! From the marking to market of long term contracts, the recognition of bogus fair value gains and down to the inflated revenues with negative FCF.
I wonder if management will soon start buying the stock up like Kenneth Lay and Jeff Skilling did right before the SEC came knocking on their doors.
LikeLike
Check out Yancoals shareprice now. Only $35m market cap. So noble must be in real trouble as no bank can risk a position with this business without putting their own balance sheets at risk. This will have big impacts on australia, Hong kong, and Singapore if noble go down. Asia looks to have all their eggs in the one basket here.
LikeLike
Noble’s response to sue Iceberg is extremely immature and childish. They would sue only if they have things to hide. The market needs answers to valid questions and analysis raised by Iceberg. The company can hide behind legal suits and deny investors answers, but they will lose market access in no time. Shame on you Noble. Shame on you Ali Reza. Well done Iceberg in exposing those who mislead markets.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Is the power to litigate more powerful than the truth ? Why doesnt Noble simply defend itself with a pen and calculator, and prove to the market that their accounting is accurate ?? Look at Yancoals market cap vs Nobles valuation of their Yancoal ownership !?! Noble is the one who chose to go public..It certainly appears that Iceberg has ONLY used public information in their analysis……Noble, drop the sword and pick up the pen (& calculator)..if your right and Iceberg is wrong, the markets will react accordingly..
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very true
LikeLike
“This Is Noble” quote of the day…
(Bloomberg) — “Responding to the needs of our stakeholders,” co. says in exchange filing.
Co. says media report of chairman dodging shareholders’ queries during AGM incorrect; has posted transcript of meeting on co. website
—
Meanwhile, in WSJ (20 April), speaking of the AGM:
“I came here today with a positive view on Noble, but I am leaving with a negative one because of the way [management] conducted the meeting. They are very defensive,” said 60-year-old shareholder Mano Sabnani.
LikeLike
Hi Iceberg, Do you have any plans to publish a comment after the AGM. From the transcript, it is obvious that Noble does not want to discuss the issue and the way they tried to steer away from Mr. Manohar Sabnani’s grilling shows that they are on the defensive, yet wont give anything. Shocking that analysts still have buy recommendation on the company despite the tone in the transcript instead of withdrawing all support. I hope Iceberg can keep up the pressure on Noble and get more transparency from the company.
LikeLike
Noble Group suing Iceberg Research for unfounded defamatory statements!? After that I did a little research into and comparison between the accounts of Noble Group and their peers. Not being an expert myself my common sense just leaves me with an analogy to the fairytale of Hans Christian Andersen: “The Emperor’s New Cloth”. Here we have Iceberg (the little boy) saying: “The Emperor (Noble Group) is wearing no cloth”. And what does the Emperor do?……………………I think Noble Groups”s actions speak for themselves.
LikeLike
Below is a reply I posted to the recent Hume article on Noble in the FT, and it is relevant to Icebergs’s most recent analysis, yet again…..an independent review from another auditor will do nothing to restore Noble credibility and change their corrupt culture….
..”intellectual honesty”…indeed, yes that is the crux of Nobles’ problems…the founder and principals are the ones that made the choice to go public, not the Market…presumably they made that choice to access public capital, gain market liquidity, and cash-out shareholders..they clearly never evolved their private culture “mantra” into a public culture of transparent rules, regulations, and compliance that the public domain expects and demands. Perhaps it is simply too hard for them to leave the shroud of secrecy many trading houses find preferable to maintain a comparative advantage in a competitive environment..large carrying costs, working capital to maintain assets to trade around, and thin margins create internal pressure to be “creative” with accounting.
Other trading houses who chose to go public experienced some early headwinds with exposed P&Ls and with PR, but they have transitioned by making these mandatory adjustments to compliance and regulations, to satisfy new shareholders’ expectations and analysts’ scrutiny.
A simple review of Nobles accounting treatment of their Yancoal asset, among many others, says enough and everything….the discrepancy between their value and the market is basically incredible….Noble is underwater and over-valued; they are using private accounting methods hoping that the public market will neither notice nor understand…karma works in strange ways.
Nobles’ future is anyone’s guess….go private (if they can afford to)….be back-stopped/rescued by a ‘special funder (like Olam was)….or simply expose their public and private books, evaluate their VaR properly, and end the net-fair-value-gains & MTM accounting that always creates the fraudulent turmoil they now find themselves in, so they can become an honest company.
Shareholders expect nothing less.
“..whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting..”
LikeLike