ASEAN Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Angus Mackintosh

ASEAN Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

Cross Asset Strategy

<div class="content-highlight">
The week that was in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma</a> is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  
</div>
<h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3>
In Indonesia<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-mandiri-persero-bmri-ij-a-plethora-of-good-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - A Plethora of Good News</a>,  Cross-ASEAN insight provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> reports back a call with<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-mandiri-persero-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)</a> revealed a relatively positive message on a number of fronts, which came as a rare positive surprise. 
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-mandiri-persero-bmri-ij-the-unsung-hero-of-syariah" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - The Unsung Hero of Syariah?</a> , Cross-ASEAN Insight provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> sees potential positive catalysts in the merger of three State-owned Syariah banks. He believes that Mandiri Syariah,  given it has the largest Syariah business and generating an ROE in excess of 15%, will take the lead in the merged entity. 
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/metrodata-electronic-mtdl-ij-a-rare-value-play-on-indonesia-s-digitalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ) - A Rare Value Play on Indonesia's Digitalization</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> highlights why<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/metrodata-electronic-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ)</a> looks undervalued, as it benefits not only from offline companies continuing to digitalize processes and infrastructure but also from the rise in e-commerce, digital payments, fintech, and gaming. 
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/xl-axiata-excl-ij-enabling-and-converging-in-indonesia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) - Enabling and Converging in Indonesia</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xl-axiata-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> XL Axiata (EXCL IJ),</a> one of the key enablers of the Indonesian digital economy, with around 90% of revenues coming from data and 75% of its subscriber base on 4G. Smartkarma hosted a Webinar with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xl-axiata-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15028:1" rel="noopener">XL Axiata (EXCL IJ)</a> last week, which revealed a positive long-term picture, despite some near term competitive headwinds. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sunpower-read-across-from-buyout-of-zheneng-jinjiang-fair-value-remains-at-1-sgd-63-upside" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44133" rel="noopener">Sunpower: Read Across from Buyout of Zheneng JinJiang; Fair Value Remains at 1 SGD (63% Upside),</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/nicolas-van-broekhoven-24a66c2d-bca4-4f5b-adda-c4e2bcc509f4" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1208" rel="noopener">Nicolas Van Broekhoven</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sunpower-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18395:1" rel="noopener">Sunpower Group (SPWG SP)</a> post a Smartakarma webinar with the company. 
In Thailand<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ipo-radar-nforce-secure-new-player-in-thai-cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> IPO Radar: NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security</a>, Thai Specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> takes a look at NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security.  
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/wilmar-is-a-buy-after-yka-s-listing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44228" rel="noopener">Wilmar Is A Buy After YKA’s Listing,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wilmar-international-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:172:1" rel="noopener">Wilmar International (WIL SP)</a> following the successful listing of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yihai-kerry-arawana-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29184:1" rel="noopener">Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co Ltd (YKA CH).</a>
In Singapore<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sgx-sgx-sp-market-under-rates-its-growth-potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> SGX (SGX SP): Market Under-Rates Its Growth Potential</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/victor-galliano" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Victor Galliano</a> discusses why he feels<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> SGX (SGX SP)</a> is undervalued. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/business-dna-suksan-yasasin-of-chayo-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44242" rel="noopener">Business DNA: Suksan Yasasin of Chayo Group,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> conducts an interview with Suksan Yasasin, the CEO of Chayo Group. Business DNA is a chance to dig into the essential makeup of business leaders and their organizations. The focus is not on the short term but rather on understanding the driving forces of a business. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ori-expect-flat-3q20-earnings-but-strong-recovery-in-4q20" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44163" rel="noopener">ORI: Expect Flat 3Q20 Earnings but Strong Recovery in 4Q20,</a> our friends at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisit <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/origin-property-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26762:1" rel="noopener">Origin Property (ORI TB)</a> ahead of the company's earnings. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/com7-upgrade-super-cycle-for-iphone-users" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44208" rel="noopener">COM7: Upgrade Super Cycle for iPhone Users,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisits this electronics distributor in light of the announcement of the launch of the new iPhone 12. 
<h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/snippets-45-lobster-alliance-cp-all-goes-to-laos" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42866" rel="noopener">Snippets #45: Lobster Alliance, CP All Goes to Laos,</a> our Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> highlights five developments over the past week that may impact Thai equities.
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sti-index-rebalance-kdcreit-included-flt-misses-out" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44178" rel="noopener">STI Index Rebalance: KDCREIT Included, FLT Misses Out,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4091" rel="noopener">Brian Freitas</a> comments on the recent FTSE STI Index rebalance.  
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/msci-nov20-index-rebalance-preview-asean-em-edition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> MSCI Nov20 Index Rebalance Preview - ASEAN EM Edition</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Brian Freitas</a> looks at the upcoming MSCI ASEAN EM scheduled rebalancing. 
<h3>Credit Insights</h3>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kasikornbank-s-inaugural-at1-underweight-on-franchise-challenges-and-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44176" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank’s Inaugural AT1 – Underweight on Franchise Challenges and Valuation,</a> credit specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/hank-calenti-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:5194" rel="noopener">Hank Calenti, CFA</a> comments on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank PCL (KBANK TB)</a>'s inaugural AT1 bond. He suggests to Underweight <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank's (KBANK)</a> inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond on franchise challenges and valuation.


The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  

Equity Bottom-Up Insights
In Indonesia Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - A Plethora of Good News,  Cross-ASEAN insight provider Angus Mackintosh reports back a call with Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) revealed a relatively positive message on a number of fronts, which came as a rare positive surprise. 
In Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - The Unsung Hero of Syariah? , Cross-ASEAN Insight provider Angus Mackintosh sees potential positive catalysts in the merger of three State-owned Syariah banks. He believes that Mandiri Syariah,  given it has the largest Syariah business and generating an ROE in excess of 15%, will take the lead in the merged entity. 
In Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ) - A Rare Value Play on Indonesia's Digitalization, Angus Mackintosh highlights why Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ) looks undervalued, as it benefits not only from offline companies continuing to digitalize processes and infrastructure but also from the rise in e-commerce, digital payments, fintech, and gaming. 
In XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) - Enabling and Converging in Indonesia, Angus Mackintosh revisits XL Axiata (EXCL IJ), one of the key enablers of the Indonesian digital economy, with around 90% of revenues coming from data and 75% of its subscriber base on 4G. Smartkarma hosted a Webinar with XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) last week, which revealed a positive long-term picture, despite some near term competitive headwinds. 
In Sunpower: Read Across from Buyout of Zheneng JinJiang; Fair Value Remains at 1 SGD (63% Upside), CrossASEAN Insight Provider provider Nicolas Van Broekhoven revisits Sunpower Group (SPWG SP) post a Smartakarma webinar with the company. 
In Thailand IPO Radar: NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security, Thai Specialist Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA takes a look at NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security.  
In Wilmar Is A Buy After YKA’s Listing,David Blennerhassett revisits Wilmar International (WIL SP) following the successful listing of Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co Ltd (YKA CH).
In Singapore SGX (SGX SP): Market Under-Rates Its Growth Potential, Victor Galliano discusses why he feels SGX (SGX SP) is undervalued. 
In Business DNA: Suksan Yasasin of Chayo Group,Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA conducts an interview with Suksan Yasasin, the CEO of Chayo Group. Business DNA is a chance to dig into the essential makeup of business leaders and their organizations. The focus is not on the short term but rather on understanding the driving forces of a business. 
In ORI: Expect Flat 3Q20 Earnings but Strong Recovery in 4Q20, our friends at Country Group revisit Origin Property (ORI TB) ahead of the company's earnings. 
In COM7: Upgrade Super Cycle for iPhone Users, Country Group revisits this electronics distributor in light of the announcement of the launch of the new iPhone 12. 
Sector and Thematic Insights
In Snippets #45: Lobster Alliance, CP All Goes to Laos, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA highlights five developments over the past week that may impact Thai equities.
In STI Index Rebalance: KDCREIT Included, FLT Misses Out, Brian Freitas comments on the recent FTSE STI Index rebalance.  
In MSCI Nov20 Index Rebalance Preview - ASEAN EM Edition, Brian Freitas looks at the upcoming MSCI ASEAN EM scheduled rebalancing. 
Credit Insights
In Kasikornbank’s Inaugural AT1 – Underweight on Franchise Challenges and Valuation, credit specialist Hank Calenti, CFA comments on Kasikornbank PCL (KBANK TB)'s inaugural AT1 bond. He suggests to Underweight Kasikornbank's (KBANK) inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond on franchise challenges and valuation. 

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Syariah Banking, XL Axiata, and Telkom's Tower Spinoff

<div class="content-highlight">
The week that was in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma</a> is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  
</div><h3>Macro Insights</h3>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/vietnam-in-robust-health-despite-transient-threat-of-us-s301-action" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43795" rel="noopener">Vietnam in Robust Health Despite Transient Threat of US S301 Action,</a> CrossASEAN Chief Economist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/prasenjit-k-basu" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:612" rel="noopener">Prasenjit K. Basu</a> zeros IN on the Vietnamese economy, which has been a key beneficiary of trade diversion from China. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/asian-exports-covid-best-is-behind" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44020" rel="noopener">Asian Exports &amp; COVID - Best Is Behind,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sharmila-whelan" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1728" rel="noopener">Sharmila Whelan</a> looks at the prospects for Asian Exports and sees a less attractive outlook ahead. <h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3>In Indonesia,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/media-nusantara-citra-mncn-ij-no-credit-given-for-metamorphosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Media Nusantara Citra (MNCN IJ) - No Credit Given for Metamorphosis</a>, CrossASEAN insight provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> examines an aggressive sell-off in<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/media-nusantara-citra-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Media Nusantara Citra (MNCN IJ)</a> share price, despite announcing a reasonable set of 2Q2020 results, with especially strong growth coming from its digital advertising through RCTI+ and its YouTube Multichannel Network (MCN), which now has a staggering 101m subscribers.  In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/indomobil-sukses-internasional-imas-ij-emerging-transport-monolith" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43927" rel="noopener">Indomobil Sukses Internasional (IMAS IJ) Emerging Transport Monolith?,</a> CrossASEAN insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/indomobil-sukses-internasional-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11738:1" rel="noopener">Indomobil Sukses Internasional (IMAS IJ),</a> which is making meaningful progress towards being a leader in automotive and transport.In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-mestika-dharma-september-quarter-reversals-surge" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44089" rel="noopener">Bank Mestika Dharma – September Quarter Reversals Surge,</a> banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> zeros in on this small Indonesian lender, which is one of the first to report earnings and reported an improvement and reversal of credit costs. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ammb-top-decile-ph-score-and-vfm-asset" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44065" rel="noopener">AMMB: Top Decile PH Score™ and VFM Asset,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/paul-hollingworth" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:2554" rel="noopener">Paul Hollingworth</a> zeros in on this Malaysia lender were he find a promising outlook and attractive valuations under his model.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ammb-holdings-bhd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:137:1" rel="noopener"></a>In Singapore,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/trade-ideas-for-singapore-reits-implications-from-cct-cmt-merger" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Trade Ideas for Singapore REITs - Implications from CCT+CMT Merger</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sumeet-singh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sumeet Singh</a> takes a look at the long drawn out merger of CCT+CMT finally approved with minimal resistance, with the little there was coming mostly from CCT holders, the combined entity will add to the bunch of listed REITs which offer a mix of office and retail exposure. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mr-diy-ipo-store-expansion-still-going-strong-undemanding-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43929" rel="noopener">MR DIY IPO - Store Expansion Still Going Strong, Undemanding Valuation,</a> IPO specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/zhen-zhou-toh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:673" rel="noopener">Zhen Zhou, Toh</a> revisits this IPO looking at its growth prospects and valuation. In Malaysia,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mr-d-i-y-group-ipo-valuation-insights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mr. D.I.Y. Group IPO: Valuation Insights</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/arun-george" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Arun George</a> provides a view on why he believes that an attractive valuation and solid cornerstone support makes <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mr-d-i-y-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28430:1" rel="noopener">MR D.I.Y. Group (MRDIY MK)</a> IPO tempting at the proposed price. In Malaysia,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mr-diy-ipo-quality-homes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> MR DIY IPO: Quality Homes</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/shifara-samsudeen-acma-cgma" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Shifara Samsudeen</a> takes an initial look at Malaysia's home improvement retailer Mr. D.I.Y.  which has filed for an IPO which will raise approximately RM1.5bn (US$362m), the largest listing in three years in Malaysia. The company has set the price at RM1.60 per share and is expected to list the IPO on the 14th of October.In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mr-diy-ipo-inexpensive-valuation-compared-to-peers-despite-better-growth-profile" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44019" rel="noopener">MR DIY IPO: Inexpensive Valuation Compared to Peers Despite Better Growth Profile,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/shifara-samsudeen-acma-cgma" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:3297" rel="noopener">Shifara Samsudeen,</a> provides us with her views on this upcoming Malaysian IPO. In Thailand,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kerry-express-best-inc-two-approaches-to-ecommerce-logistics-growth-in-se-asia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Kerry Express &amp; Best Inc: Two Approaches to ECommerce Logistics Growth in SE Asia</a> examines the different approaches pursued in eCommerce fulfillment in SE Asia by the upcoming IPO<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kerry-express-thailand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB)</a> and by<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/best-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> BEST Inc (BEST US). </a>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bgrim-positive-sentiments-from-joining-hands-with-pea-encom" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43897" rel="noopener">BGRIM: Positive Sentiments from Joining Hands with PEA ENCOM,</a> our friends at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> expect the cooperation with PEA ENCOM will help <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/b-grimm-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23996:1" rel="noopener">B Grimm Power (BGRIM TB)</a> to expand the SPP (Small Power Producer) client base and have synergy benefits of up to THB1.0bn from cost-saving and service efficiency. <h3>Sector and Thematic</h3>In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/indonesia-banks-positives-clouded-but-persist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Indonesia Banks – Positives Clouded, But Persist</a>, banking specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Daniel Tabbush</a> discusses why the country's credit penetration remains low and margins remain higher than almost any other country. Due to the ill-conceived interruption of economies and a more conservative bank system due to the financial crisis in 1997, credit growth is now lower in Indonesia than in most other Asian-Pacific countries. In Thailand,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/silicon-stories-m-if-you-can-t-beat-them-join-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Silicon Stories M: If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them</a>, Thai specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> takes a look at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-of-ayudhya-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:136:1" rel="noopener">Bank Of Ayudhya (BAY TB)</a>,  which has realized that it is easier to partner with Internet startups than build businesses from scratch. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sti-index-rebalance-in-the-race-to-replace-cct-finally-some-daylight-emerges" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43862" rel="noopener">STI Index Rebalance: In the Race to Replace CCT, Finally Some Daylight Emerges,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4091" rel="noopener">Brian Freitas</a> looks at the upcoming Singapore STI Index rebalancing. <h3>Credit Insights</h3>In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-constraints-debt-capital-issuance-needs-and-potential-impacts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Thai Bank Capital Constraints, Debt Capital Issuance Needs, and Potential Impact,</a> Credit Specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/hank-calenti-cfa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Hank Calenti, CFA</a> discusses the potential for further capital issuance by Thai banks following<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-bank-public-co-ltd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bangkok Bank Public (BBL TB)</a>'s recent bond issue. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-and-chronic-covid-19-sensitivity" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44011" rel="noopener">Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/hank-calenti-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:5194" rel="noopener">Hank Calenti, CFA</a> dives into the potential scenarios for Thai Banks should COVID-19 loan relief decay become chronic. In Indonesia,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-plight-of-the-garuda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> The Plight of the Garuda</a>, Credit Specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/derek-silva" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Derek Silva</a>,  examines Garuda's financial condition, which is now becoming critical.


The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  
Macro InsightsIn Vietnam in Robust Health Despite Transient Threat of US S301 Action, CrossASEAN Chief Economist Prasenjit K. Basu zeros IN on the Vietnamese economy, which has been a key beneficiary of trade diversion from China. In Asian Exports &amp; COVID - Best Is Behind,Sharmila Whelan looks at the prospects for Asian Exports and sees a less attractive outlook ahead. Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Indonesia, Media Nusantara Citra (MNCN IJ) - No Credit Given for Metamorphosis, CrossASEAN insight provider Angus Mackintosh examines an aggressive sell-off in Media Nusantara Citra (MNCN IJ) share price, despite announcing a reasonable set of 2Q2020 results, with especially strong growth coming from its digital advertising through RCTI+ and its YouTube Multichannel Network (MCN), which now has a staggering 101m subscribers.  In Indomobil Sukses Internasional (IMAS IJ) Emerging Transport Monolith?, CrossASEAN insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits Indomobil Sukses Internasional (IMAS IJ), which is making meaningful progress towards being a leader in automotive and transport.In Bank Mestika Dharma – September Quarter Reversals Surge, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush zeros in on this small Indonesian lender, which is one of the first to report earnings and reported an improvement and reversal of credit costs. In AMMB: Top Decile PH Score™ and VFM Asset,Paul Hollingworth zeros in on this Malaysia lender were he find a promising outlook and attractive valuations under his model.In Singapore, Trade Ideas for Singapore REITs - Implications from CCT+CMT Merger, Sumeet Singh takes a look at the long drawn out merger of CCT+CMT finally approved with minimal resistance, with the little there was coming mostly from CCT holders, the combined entity will add to the bunch of listed REITs which offer a mix of office and retail exposure. In MR DIY IPO - Store Expansion Still Going Strong, Undemanding Valuation, IPO specialist Zhen Zhou, Toh revisits this IPO looking at its growth prospects and valuation. In Malaysia, Mr. D.I.Y. Group IPO: Valuation Insights, Arun George provides a view on why he believes that an attractive valuation and solid cornerstone support makes MR D.I.Y. Group (MRDIY MK) IPO tempting at the proposed price. In Malaysia, MR DIY IPO: Quality Homes, Shifara Samsudeen takes an initial look at Malaysia's home improvement retailer Mr. D.I.Y.  which has filed for an IPO which will raise approximately RM1.5bn (US$362m), the largest listing in three years in Malaysia. The company has set the price at RM1.60 per share and is expected to list the IPO on the 14th of October.In MR DIY IPO: Inexpensive Valuation Compared to Peers Despite Better Growth Profile,Shifara Samsudeen, provides us with her views on this upcoming Malaysian IPO. In Thailand, Kerry Express &amp; Best Inc: Two Approaches to ECommerce Logistics Growth in SE Asia examines the different approaches pursued in eCommerce fulfillment in SE Asia by the upcoming IPO Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB) and by BEST Inc (BEST US). In BGRIM: Positive Sentiments from Joining Hands with PEA ENCOM, our friends at Country Group expect the cooperation with PEA ENCOM will help B Grimm Power (BGRIM TB) to expand the SPP (Small Power Producer) client base and have synergy benefits of up to THB1.0bn from cost-saving and service efficiency. Sector and ThematicIn Indonesia Banks – Positives Clouded, But Persist, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush discusses why the country's credit penetration remains low and margins remain higher than almost any other country. Due to the ill-conceived interruption of economies and a more conservative bank system due to the financial crisis in 1997, credit growth is now lower in Indonesia than in most other Asian-Pacific countries. In Thailand, Silicon Stories M: If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them, Thai specialist Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA takes a look at Bank Of Ayudhya (BAY TB),  which has realized that it is easier to partner with Internet startups than build businesses from scratch. In STI Index Rebalance: In the Race to Replace CCT, Finally Some Daylight Emerges,Brian Freitas looks at the upcoming Singapore STI Index rebalancing. Credit InsightsIn Thai Bank Capital Constraints, Debt Capital Issuance Needs, and Potential Impact, Credit Specialist Hank Calenti, CFA discusses the potential for further capital issuance by Thai banks following Bangkok Bank Public (BBL TB)'s recent bond issue. In Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity,Hank Calenti, CFA dives into the potential scenarios for Thai Banks should COVID-19 loan relief decay become chronic. In Indonesia, The Plight of the Garuda, Credit Specialist Derek Silva,  examines Garuda's financial condition, which is now becoming critical. 

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Omnibus Laws, Credit Costs, and Mr DIY

Private Capital Markets

GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk PT / Private Capital Markets

Recent news suggests that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> have restarted discussions on a possible merger backed by SoftBank CEO and founder Masayoshi Son. Our view is that it seems this ride-hailing mega-merger becomes less-likely should <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> take a stake in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a>. It was recently reported that it would invest US$3bn into the ride-hailing company, with some of this stake potentially coming out of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/uber-technologies-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:430:1" rel="noopener">Uber (UBER US).</a>
Quite apart from the fact that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> has only recently received investment from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/facebook-inc-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:665:1" rel="noopener">Facebook Inc A (FB US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/paypal-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4747:1" rel="noopener">Paypal Holdings (PYPL US),</a> the company is also viewed as a  national champion in Indonesia, with high-profile shareholders such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/astra-international-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:46:1" rel="noopener">Astra International (ASII IJ)</a> and Djarum Group, who may object to the deal, under which <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a> may come out on top being the bigger company currently, in terms of recent valuations. 
There has been much debate surrounding the incessant competition between so-called Super Apps Indonesia-based <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> and Singapore headquartered <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP),</a> as they vie for position in the former's home market and across the rest of South-East Asia.  Although originally both App-based ride-hailing companies, both now offer a much wider variety of services including food-delivery and crucially, digital payments, and other financial services. Gojek through Go-Pay and Grab through GrabPay regionally, and OVO in Indonesia, where it has a stake. 
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Holdings (700 HK)</a> backed <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> dominates in its home market of Indonesia, which makes up 90% of its revenues but it is also presenting some challenges to Grab in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and possibly soon to be the Philippines and even Malaysia. 
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a> has been making in-roads into the App-based motorcycle and taxi business in Indonesia, as well as the food-delivery business through GrabFood with the use of heavy promotions and subsidies. Given a more recent focus on profitability plus the impact of COVID-19 PSBB (large scale social distancing) measures on all businesses, especially ride-hailing, it is undoubtedly feeling the pressure in Indonesia.
Both companies have formidable funding war chests, with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> managing to complete its latest US$2.5bn round in the midst of the pandemic and topping this up again only a couple of months ago. Grab raised a whopping US$4.5bn in its last round and potentially another US$3bn round from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> though some of this may be existing shares. 
In some ways, money is not the issue and it is the winning strategy that counts. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> has a history of frugality but has made a number of missteps in the last year, withdrawing some of its GoLife services, withdrawing GoMart, and a failed attempt at entering the Philippines. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a> has been very aggressive in providing subsidies in its food businesses in Indonesia to gain share. It remains to be seen how this approach will pan out in the longer-term, especially in light of COVID-19, which has hit ride-hailing hard.
Future funding is another longer-term issue, despite the recent amounts that have been raised. In this respect, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a> is better positioned after its very recent funding round, which brought in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/facebook-inc-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:665:1" rel="noopener">Facebook Inc A (FB US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/paypal-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4747:1" rel="noopener">Paypal Holdings (PYPL US)</a>. For <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a>, it was less certain until recently, at a time when Softbank is reeling from the WeWork and OYO experiences. Valuations of global comparable such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/uber-technologies-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:430:1" rel="noopener">Uber (UBER US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lyft-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24423:1" rel="noopener">Lyft Inc (LYFT US)</a> have also come under pressure, which suggests that we could see some markdown on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP),</a> especially with its higher exposure to ride-hailing.

Recent news suggests that Grab (0967655D SP) and Gojek (1379371D IJ) have restarted discussions on a possible merger backed by SoftBank CEO and founder Masayoshi Son. Our view is that it seems this ride-hailing mega-merger becomes less-likely should Alibaba Group (BABA US) take a stake in Grab (0967655D SP). It was recently reported that it would invest US$3bn into the ride-hailing company, with some of this stake potentially coming out of Uber (UBER US).
Quite apart from the fact that Gojek (1379371D IJ) has only recently received investment from Facebook Inc A (FB US) and Paypal Holdings (PYPL US), the company is also viewed as a  national champion in Indonesia, with high-profile shareholders such as Astra International (ASII IJ) and Djarum Group, who may object to the deal, under which Grab (0967655D SP) may come out on top being the bigger company currently, in terms of recent valuations. 
There has been much debate surrounding the incessant competition between so-called Super Apps Indonesia-based Gojek (1379371D IJ) and Singapore headquartered Grab (0967655D SP), as they vie for position in the former's home market and across the rest of South-East Asia.  Although originally both App-based ride-hailing companies, both now offer a much wider variety of services including food-delivery and crucially, digital payments, and other financial services. Gojek through Go-Pay and Grab through GrabPay regionally, and OVO in Indonesia, where it has a stake. 
Tencent Holdings (700 HK) backed Gojek (1379371D IJ) dominates in its home market of Indonesia, which makes up 90% of its revenues but it is also presenting some challenges to Grab in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and possibly soon to be the Philippines and even Malaysia. 
Grab (0967655D SP) has been making in-roads into the App-based motorcycle and taxi business in Indonesia, as well as the food-delivery business through GrabFood with the use of heavy promotions and subsidies. Given a more recent focus on profitability plus the impact of COVID-19 PSBB (large scale social distancing) measures on all businesses, especially ride-hailing, it is undoubtedly feeling the pressure in Indonesia.
Both companies have formidable funding war chests, with Gojek (1379371D IJ) managing to complete its latest US$2.5bn round in the midst of the pandemic and topping this up again only a couple of months ago. Grab raised a whopping US$4.5bn in its last round and potentially another US$3bn round from Alibaba Group (BABA US) though some of this may be existing shares. 
In some ways, money is not the issue and it is the winning strategy that counts. Gojek (1379371D IJ) has a history of frugality but has made a number of missteps in the last year, withdrawing some of its GoLife services, withdrawing GoMart, and a failed attempt at entering the Philippines. Grab (0967655D SP) has been very aggressive in providing subsidies in its food businesses in Indonesia to gain share. It remains to be seen how this approach will pan out in the longer-term, especially in light of COVID-19, which has hit ride-hailing hard.
Future funding is another longer-term issue, despite the recent amounts that have been raised. In this respect, Gojek (1379371D IJ) is better positioned after its very recent funding round, which brought in Facebook Inc A (FB US) and Paypal Holdings (PYPL US). For Grab (0967655D SP), it was less certain until recently, at a time when Softbank is reeling from the WeWork and OYO experiences. Valuations of global comparable such as Uber (UBER US) and Lyft Inc (LYFT US) have also come under pressure, which suggests that we could see some markdown on Grab (0967655D SP), especially with its higher exposure to ride-hailing. 

Gojek and Grab - A Merger of the Super Apps on the Offing? We Think Not.

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Corrigenda: There is an error in this Insight. Please note the correction.
Correction: The <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singapore-sti-macro-bear-pressure-mounting-with-tactical-relief-from-2-400" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42932" rel="noopener">Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400</a> Insight is improperly attributed to Thomas Monaco. That Insight was published by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-schroeder" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:381" rel="noopener">Thomas Schroeder</a>.
</div>
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The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma.</a>
</div>
<h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kalbe-farma-klbf-ij-a-nutritional-spin-off" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42533" rel="noopener">Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) - A Nutritional Spin-Off?,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits South East Asia's largest pharmaceutical company in light of news that the company is considering spinning off its Nutritionals division to raise around US$500m. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/link-net-tbk-pt-link-ij-summer-migration-at-last" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42829" rel="noopener">Link Net Tbk Pt (LINK IJ) - Summer Migration at Last,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits Indonesia's highest quality high-speed broadband provider following a call with managment, which focused on its recent results, as well as the decision to build its own pole infrastructure to carry its fibre.  
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singtel-make-the-call" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42900" rel="noopener">SingTel: Make The Call,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> zeros in on Singapore's leading telecom provider and finds deep value appearing in the stock.
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-initiation-shrink-wrapping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42967" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO Initiation: Shrink Wrapping,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/arun-george" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1680" rel="noopener">Arun George</a> takes a first look at the upcoming spin-off from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-cement-pcl-the" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2589:1" rel="noopener">Siam Cement (SCC TB)</a> and IPO of SCG Packaging, which will get a lot of investor focus given ist size and share in of the packaging market in SE Asia. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sembcorp-last-chance-before" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42886" rel="noopener">Sembcorp - Last Chance Before...</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/travis-lundy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:25" rel="noopener">Travis Lundy</a> looks at the enormously dilutive rights issue and de-merger of Semcorp Marine. 
 In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singapore-sti-macro-bear-pressure-mounting-with-tactical-relief-from-2-400" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42932" rel="noopener">Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400,</a> technical analysis specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-j-monaco" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1716" rel="noopener">Thomas J. Monaco</a> works his technical magic on the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ftse-straits-times-index-sti" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22902:1" rel="noopener">FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) (STI INDEX).</a>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ratch-3q20-earnings-to-improve-from-overseas-performance" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42789" rel="noopener">RATCH: 3Q20 Earnings to Improve from Overseas Performance</a>, our friend at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> report back on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ratch-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15338:1" rel="noopener">Ratchaburi Electric (RATCH TB)</a> post its more recent analyst meeting, which left a positive impression.  
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/b-work-good-dividend-yield-makes-an-attractive-investment" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42782" rel="noopener">B-WORK: Good Dividend Yield Makes an Attractive Investment,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bualuang-office-leasehold-real-estate-investment-trust" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26187:1" rel="noopener">Bualuang Office Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust (B-WORK TB)</a> and takes a positive view. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/rbf-the-excessive-outperformance-may-come-to-a-halt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42788" rel="noopener">RBF: The Excessive Outperformance May Come to a Halt,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> upgrades his recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/r-b-food-supply-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28949:1" rel="noopener">R&amp;B Food Supply PCL (RBF TB)</a> to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price of THB9.25 from THB8.70, implying a downside of 9% from the current price. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sti-acquisition-benefits-are-not-fully-priced-in-strong-buy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42785" rel="noopener">STI: Acquisition Benefits Are Not Fully Priced In, Strong BUY,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/stonehenge-inter-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27353:1" rel="noopener">Stonehenge Inter (STI TB)</a> with a BUY recommendation based on his target of THB10.10, implying an upside of 31% from the current share price. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/dod-strong-performance-deserves-a-re-rating" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42676" rel="noopener">DOD: Strong Performance Deserves a Re-Rating,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> upgrades his recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dod-biotech-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26179:1" rel="noopener">DOD Biotech PCL (DOD TB)</a> to BUY from HOLD based on raising his target price to Bt10.70 from Bt7.55, implying an upside of 26% from the current price. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/vranda-the-calm-before-challenging-times" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42781" rel="noopener">VRANDA: The Calm Before Challenging Times,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> has a SELL recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/veranda-resort-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29176:1" rel="noopener">Veranda Resort PCL (VRANDA TB)</a> based on a target price of THB4.30, implying a downside of 26% from the current share price. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ace-results-are-not-stunning-stay-on-hold" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42784" rel="noopener">ACE: Results Are Not Stunning, Stay on HOLD,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> upgrades his recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/absolute-clean-energy-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29155:1" rel="noopener">Absolute Clean Energy PCL (ACE TB)</a> to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price to THB3.49 from THB2.64, implying an upside of 8% from the current price. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/spa-weak-demand-continues-to-pressure-2h20-earnings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42813" rel="noopener">SPA: Weak Demand Continues to Pressure 2H20 Earnings,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> downgrades <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-wellness-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3765:1" rel="noopener">Siam Wellness Group (SPA TB)</a> from BUY to HOLD rating and cut his target price by 31% to THB6.6 to factor in weakening earnings momentum in 2H20. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gunkul-new-60mw-power-plant-to-drive-2h20-earnings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42820" rel="noopener">GUNKUL: New 60MW Power Plant to Drive 2H20 Earnings,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> maintain a BUY rating on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gunkul-engineering-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15272:1" rel="noopener">Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB)</a> with a target price of THB3.24 derived using DCF method (WACC 7.8% and TG 1%) implying 11.4x FY20E PER or 0.5x relative PER to Thai utility sector. 
<h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/telecom-review-sept-2020-ais-and-asiasoft-get-aggressive-on-gaming" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:41022" rel="noopener">Telecom Review (Sept 2020): AIS and AsiaSoft Get Aggressive on Gaming,</a> our Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> takes a look at gaming, specifically related to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/advanced-info-service-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:947:1" rel="noopener">Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asiasoft-corp-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5429:1" rel="noopener">Asiasoft Corp (AS TB)</a> in Thailand.


Corrigenda: There is an error in this Insight. Please note the correction.
Correction: The Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400 Insight is improperly attributed to Thomas Monaco. That Insight was published by Thomas Schroeder.



The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in ASEAN@Smartkarma.

Equity Bottom-Up Insights
In Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) - A Nutritional Spin-Off?, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits South East Asia's largest pharmaceutical company in light of news that the company is considering spinning off its Nutritionals division to raise around US$500m. 
In Link Net Tbk Pt (LINK IJ) - Summer Migration at Last, Angus Mackintosh revisits Indonesia's highest quality high-speed broadband provider following a call with managment, which focused on its recent results, as well as the decision to build its own pole infrastructure to carry its fibre.  
In SingTel: Make The Call, David Blennerhassett zeros in on Singapore's leading telecom provider and finds deep value appearing in the stock.
In SCG Packaging IPO Initiation: Shrink Wrapping, Arun George takes a first look at the upcoming spin-off from Siam Cement (SCC TB) and IPO of SCG Packaging, which will get a lot of investor focus given ist size and share in of the packaging market in SE Asia. 
In Sembcorp - Last Chance Before... Travis Lundy looks at the enormously dilutive rights issue and de-merger of Semcorp Marine. 
 In Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400, technical analysis specialist Thomas J. Monaco works his technical magic on the FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) (STI INDEX).
In RATCH: 3Q20 Earnings to Improve from Overseas Performance, our friend at Country Group report back on Ratchaburi Electric (RATCH TB) post its more recent analyst meeting, which left a positive impression.  
In B-WORK: Good Dividend Yield Makes an Attractive Investment, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA revisits Bualuang Office Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust (B-WORK TB) and takes a positive view. 
In RBF: The Excessive Outperformance May Come to a Halt, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA upgrades his recommendation on R&amp;B Food Supply PCL (RBF TB) to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price of THB9.25 from THB8.70, implying a downside of 9% from the current price. 
In STI: Acquisition Benefits Are Not Fully Priced In, Strong BUY, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA revisits Stonehenge Inter (STI TB) with a BUY recommendation based on his target of THB10.10, implying an upside of 31% from the current share price. 
In DOD: Strong Performance Deserves a Re-Rating, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA upgrades his recommendation on DOD Biotech PCL (DOD TB) to BUY from HOLD based on raising his target price to Bt10.70 from Bt7.55, implying an upside of 26% from the current price. 
In VRANDA: The Calm Before Challenging Times, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA has a SELL recommendation on Veranda Resort PCL (VRANDA TB) based on a target price of THB4.30, implying a downside of 26% from the current share price. 
In ACE: Results Are Not Stunning, Stay on HOLD, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA upgrades his recommendation on Absolute Clean Energy PCL (ACE TB) to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price to THB3.49 from THB2.64, implying an upside of 8% from the current price. 
In SPA: Weak Demand Continues to Pressure 2H20 Earnings, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA downgrades Siam Wellness Group (SPA TB) from BUY to HOLD rating and cut his target price by 31% to THB6.6 to factor in weakening earnings momentum in 2H20. 
In GUNKUL: New 60MW Power Plant to Drive 2H20 Earnings, Country Group maintain a BUY rating on Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB) with a target price of THB3.24 derived using DCF method (WACC 7.8% and TG 1%) implying 11.4x FY20E PER or 0.5x relative PER to Thai utility sector. 
Sector and Thematic Insights
In Telecom Review (Sept 2020): AIS and AsiaSoft Get Aggressive on Gaming, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA takes a look at gaming, specifically related to Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB) and Asiasoft Corp (AS TB) in Thailand. 

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkama - Kalbe Spin-Off, SingTel's Deep Value, and Thailand's Gamers

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

Last Week in Event SPACE: Toshiba, Softbank, Cardinal Resources, Sembcorp, Intouch, SingTel, 58.Com

Singapore

Singapore Telecommunications Limited wireless telecommunication services. The Company offers diverse range of services including fixed, mobile, data, internet, TV,  and digital solutions. Singapore Telecommunications serves customers worldwide.

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Singtel (ST SP)

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Syariah Banking, XL Axiata, and Telkom's Tower Spinoff

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with an eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East...

Angus Mackintosh

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Omnibus Laws, Credit Costs, and Mr DIY

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma includes a curation of the past week's insights across SE Asia together with value-added commentary on...

Angus Mackintosh

Gojek and Grab - A Merger of the Super Apps on the Offing? We Think Not.

There has been much debate surrounding the incessant competition between so-called Super Apps Indonesia-based Gojek (1379371D IJ) and Singapore...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkama - Kalbe Spin-Off, SingTel's Deep Value, and Thailand's Gamers

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

Last Week in Event SPACE: Toshiba, Softbank, Cardinal Resources, Sembcorp, Intouch, SingTel, 58.Com

Last Week in Event SPACE ... Plus, other events, CCASS movements and Mood Spins. (This insight covers specific insights & comments...

David Blennerhassett

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