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

Private Capital Markets

GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk PT / Private Capital Markets

<p>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></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><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. </p>
<p><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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>

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.

Cross Asset Strategy

<div class="content-highlight">
<p>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.</p>
<p>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>.</p>
</div><h3>Macro Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/could-emerging-markets-double-from-here" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43435" rel="noopener">Could Emerging Markets Double From Here?,</a> Strategist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/michael-j-howell" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:2312" rel="noopener">Michael J. Howell</a> revisits the Emerging Markets theme and take a positive view. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/set50-index-rebalance-preview-three-changes-for-now-could-be-one-more" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43285" rel="noopener">SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: Three Changes for Now, Could Be One More,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4091" rel="noopener">Brian Freitas</a> takes a look at the potential changes to the SET50 Index constituents at the next rebalance.</p><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/berli-jucker-bjc-tb-se-asia-s-consumer-recovery-proxy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43086" rel="noopener">Berli Jucker (BJC TB) - SE Asia's Consumer Recovery Proxy,</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 one of South East Asia most interesting consumer players, with interests in consumer packaging and retail, as well as the overall consumer supply chain after a conversation with management.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/erajaya-swasembada-eraa-ij-goodbye-blackmarket" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43353" rel="noopener">Erajaya Swasembada (ERAA IJ) - Goodbye Blackmarket,</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 largest mobile handset retailer after a conversation with management. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/wilmar-china-ops-ipo-one-step-closer" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43330" rel="noopener">Wilmar: China Ops IPO One Step Closer,</a> events specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> takes a close look at <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>s plan to spin off its China operations as a separate listing.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/col-central-retail-corp-thailand-delisting-offer-trading-tight" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43261" rel="noopener">COL-Central Retail Corp: Thailand Delisting Offer Trading Tight,</a> Quiddity Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/janaghan-jeyakumar-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:3173" rel="noopener">Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA</a> zeros in on the acquisition of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/officemate-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17857:1" rel="noopener">COL PCL (COL TB)</a> by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/central-retail-corp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28240:1" rel="noopener">Central Retail (CRC TB).</a></p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/crc-acquisition-of-col-will-encourage-hardline-and-omni-channel-business" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43294" rel="noopener">CRC: Acquisition of COL Will Encourage Hardline and Omni-Channel Business,</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> zero in on the potential synergies from the recently announced acquisition of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/officemate-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17857:1" rel="noopener">COL PCL (COL TB)</a> by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/central-retail-corp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28240:1" rel="noopener">Central Retail (CRC TB).</a></p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/dohome-expect-sssg-stronger-than-peers-in-2h20-and-2021" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43336" rel="noopener">DOHOME: Expect SSSG Stronger than Peers in 2H20 and 2021,</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> upgrade their recommendation from a HOLD to BUY rating with a new target price of THB16.5 based on 33x FY21E PER (Previous TP is Bt12.5), which is close to the other biggest home-improvement player in Thailand, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/home-product-center-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9906:1" rel="noopener">Home Product Center (HMPRO TB)</a>.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/aot-short-set-long-a-compelling-pair" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43257" rel="noopener">AOT Short/SET Long a Compelling Pair,</a> technical analysis specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-schroeder" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:381" rel="noopener">Thomas Schroeder</a> explores this interesting pair trade. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/airports-of-thailand-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:239:1" rel="noopener">Airports of Thailand (AOT TB)</a> buy volume on the rise from mid-August warning that the rise is not only fragile but set for a hard decline from the 60/62 resistance zone. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/tasco-medium-term-disruption-from-crude-switching" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43258" rel="noopener">TASCO: Medium-Term Disruption from Crude Switching,</a> our friends from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisit Thailand's largest asphalt player. </p><h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/south-asian-banks-state-banks-differ" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43383" rel="noopener">South Asian Banks - State Banks Differ,</a> banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> compares a select few South Asian State-owned banks including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-mandiri-persero-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:441:1" rel="noopener">Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ),</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/krung-thai-bank-pub-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:298:1" rel="noopener">Krung Thai Bank Pub (KTB TB),</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/state-bank-of-india" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:160:1" rel="noopener">State Bank Of India (SBIN IN)</a>.</p><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bangkok-bank-s-new-at1-overweight-on-relative-value" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43402" rel="noopener">Bangkok Bank’s New AT1 – Overweight on Relative Value,</a> Credit specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/warut-promboon" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1226" rel="noopener">Warut Promboon</a> takes a look at the latest bond issue from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-bank-public-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:213:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Bank Public (BBL TB).</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-bank-public-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:213:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Bank's (BBLTB)</a> inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond offers an attractive higher yielding coupon for the current interest rate environment. </p><div><p></p></div>


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.
Macro InsightsIn Could Emerging Markets Double From Here?, Strategist Michael J. Howell revisits the Emerging Markets theme and take a positive view. In SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: Three Changes for Now, Could Be One More,Brian Freitas takes a look at the potential changes to the SET50 Index constituents at the next rebalance.Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Berli Jucker (BJC TB) - SE Asia's Consumer Recovery Proxy, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits one of South East Asia most interesting consumer players, with interests in consumer packaging and retail, as well as the overall consumer supply chain after a conversation with management.In Erajaya Swasembada (ERAA IJ) - Goodbye Blackmarket,Angus Mackintosh revisits Indonesia's largest mobile handset retailer after a conversation with management. In Wilmar: China Ops IPO One Step Closer, events specialist David Blennerhassett takes a close look at Wilmar International (WIL SP)'s plan to spin off its China operations as a separate listing.In COL-Central Retail Corp: Thailand Delisting Offer Trading Tight, Quiddity Insight Provider Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA zeros in on the acquisition of COL PCL (COL TB) by Central Retail (CRC TB).In CRC: Acquisition of COL Will Encourage Hardline and Omni-Channel Business, our friends at Country Group zero in on the potential synergies from the recently announced acquisition of COL PCL (COL TB) by Central Retail (CRC TB).In DOHOME: Expect SSSG Stronger than Peers in 2H20 and 2021, our friends at Country Group upgrade their recommendation from a HOLD to BUY rating with a new target price of THB16.5 based on 33x FY21E PER (Previous TP is Bt12.5), which is close to the other biggest home-improvement player in Thailand, Home Product Center (HMPRO TB).In AOT Short/SET Long a Compelling Pair, technical analysis specialist Thomas Schroeder explores this interesting pair trade. Airports of Thailand (AOT TB) buy volume on the rise from mid-August warning that the rise is not only fragile but set for a hard decline from the 60/62 resistance zone. In TASCO: Medium-Term Disruption from Crude Switching, our friends from Country Group revisit Thailand's largest asphalt player. Sector and Thematic InsightsIn South Asian Banks - State Banks Differ, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush compares a select few South Asian State-owned banks including Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ),Krung Thai Bank Pub (KTB TB), and State Bank Of India (SBIN IN).Credit InsightsIn Bangkok Bank’s New AT1 – Overweight on Relative Value, Credit specialist Warut Promboon takes a look at the latest bond issue from Bangkok Bank Public (BBL TB).Bangkok Bank's (BBLTB) inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond offers an attractive higher yielding coupon for the current interest rate environment. 

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - SE Asia's Consumer Proxy, Wilmar's YKA IPO, and CRC

Research and consultancy, Tabbush Report

Daniel Tabbush

Research and consultancy

Tabbush Report

We provide research and consultancy on Asian banks. Our focus is on what we call “Asian bank research, without the noise.” We are interested in the most critical swing-factors for banks, the NPL and credit cycle, and where we believe there is a gap between perception and reality. We often focus on the less studied components of bank financial statements.  Our research is highly thematic, sometimes examining unlisted banks and companies as a window on mainstream banks. 

Being independent allows us to look at smaller banks, often overlooked by others. Analysis of BIS bank guidelines in the context of Asia, is also a focal point, while we also analyze global banks operating in the region. We use what we believe is the most comprehensive, reliable financials database, SNL Financial. S&P Capital IQ augments our database, with corporate data and CEIC, with economics. 

Asian bank research, without the noise.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>We sometimes view state banks as lethargic and prone to higher bad loans than other banks.  In the current world, it is worth assessing how some of Asia’s largest state banks compare with one another, and disregarding the normal bias against state banks. We look at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/state-bank-of-india" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:160:1" rel="noopener">State Bank Of India (SBIN IN)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-mandiri-persero-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:441:1" rel="noopener">Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/krung-thai-bank-pub-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:298:1" rel="noopener">Krung Thai Bank Pub (KTB TB)</a>. It may be surprising to many, which of these three is likely to show the best profit profile in coming quarters.</p>

We sometimes view state banks as lethargic and prone to higher bad loans than other banks.  In the current world, it is worth assessing how some of Asia’s largest state banks compare with one another, and disregarding the normal bias against state banks. We look at State Bank Of India (SBIN IN), Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) and Krung Thai Bank Pub (KTB TB). It may be surprising to many, which of these three is likely to show the best profit profile in coming quarters.

<div class="content-highlight">
<p>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.</p>
<p>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></p>
</div><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ultrajaya-milk-ind-trading-ultj-ij-a-wholesome-performance" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42810" rel="noopener">Ultrajaya Milk Ind &amp; Trading (ULTJ IJ) - A Wholesome Performance,</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 Indonesia's leading dairy player after a conversation with management. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pt-nippon-indosari-corpindo-roti-ij-roti-s-exit-from-philippines-a-positive" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43102" rel="noopener">PT Nippon Indosari Corpindo (ROTI IJ) - ROTI's Exit from Philippines a Positive,</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 largest mass-market bread player after its announcement it would exit the Philippines to focus on its Indonesian home market. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sido-muncul-sido-switch-competitor-and-split" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43029" rel="noopener">Sido Muncul (SIDO): Switch, Competitor and Split,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/henry-soediarko" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1006" rel="noopener">Henry Soediarko</a> revisits Indonesian traditional medicine player <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/industri-jamu-dan-farmasi-sido-muncul-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6033:1" rel="noopener">Sido Muncul (SIDO IJ)</a> with an update post it recently announced stock split. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bluebird-bird-correlated-with-psbb-beneficiary-of-wfh-to-wfo-switch" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43077" rel="noopener">Bluebird (BIRD): Correlated with PSBB, Beneficiary of WFH to WFO Switch</a>, CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/henry-soediarko" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1006" rel="noopener">Henry Soediarko</a> revisits Indonesia's largest taxi operator.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/small-cap-diary-singha-hotels-ptg-energy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:41024" rel="noopener">Small-Cap Diary: Singha Hotels, PTG Energy,</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> reports back having visited two interesting companies recently, namely <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-hotels-resorts-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28924:1" rel="noopener">S Hotels &amp; Resorts PCL (SHR TB)</a> (Singha Hotels), and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ptg-energy-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14385:1" rel="noopener">Ptg Energy Pcl (PTG TB)</a>, the country's second-largest gas station operator.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sembcorp-marine-rights-issue-results-looks-like-a-scheme-of-introduction" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43030" rel="noopener">Sembcorp Marine Rights Issue Results: Looks Like a Scheme of Introduction,</a> events specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/travis-lundy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:25" rel="noopener">Travis Lundy</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sembcorp-marine-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11:1" rel="noopener">Sembcorp Marine (SMM SP)</a> in the wake of recent announcements. </p><div>
<span>In </span><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/capitaland-mall-and-cct-merger-circular-finally-out-looks-done" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43006" rel="noopener">Capitaland Mall and CCT Merger: Circular Finally Out. Looks Done.</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/travis-lundy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:25" rel="noopener">Travis Lundy</a><span> revisits this ongoing merger in Singapore. </span>
</div><div><span> </span></div><div><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singapore-exchange-taiwan-a-standout-in-august" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43185" rel="noopener">Singapore Exchange – Taiwan A Standout In August,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4091" rel="noopener">Brian Freitas</a> circles back to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1047:1" rel="noopener">SGX (SGX SP)</a> post its monthly numbers.  </p></div><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jwd-entering-high-season-with-growth-drivers-from-new-projects" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43045" rel="noopener">JWD: Entering High Season with Growth Drivers from New Projects,</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/jwd-infologistics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28438:1" rel="noopener">JWD Infologistics (JWD TB)</a> in Thailand. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/global-home-improvement-player-eyes-opportunities-in-asean" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43134" rel="noopener">GLOBAL: Home-Improvement Player Eyes Opportunities in ASEAN,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> initiate coverage on Thai home improvement player <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-global-house-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19449:1" rel="noopener">Siam Global House (GLOBAL TB)</a>. </p><h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/in-malaysia-heineken-vs-carlsberg-close" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42940" rel="noopener">In Malaysia: Heineken Vs Carlsberg (Close),</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 this pair trade, which he recommends to close. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/indonesia-banks-vastly-differing-tales" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43031" rel="noopener">Indonesia Banks – Vastly Differing Tales,</a> banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> compares tow Indonesian banks, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-danamon-indonesia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:135:1" rel="noopener">Bank Danamon Indonesia (BDMN IJ),</a> and finds two very different stories.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-stocks-to-own-in-asean-vol-32" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43064" rel="noopener">The Stocks to Own in ASEAN – Vol. 32,</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> highlights 14 stocks in ASEAN that look interesting to him based upon our FVMR Methodology. His research team constantly reviews the ASEAN markets to try to find interesting ideas based on Fundamentals or Valuation or Momentum or Risk or some combination thereof.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-stocks-to-own-in-thailand-vol-30" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43063" rel="noopener">The Stocks to Own in Thailand – Vol. 30,</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> highlight 14 stocks in Thailand that look interesting to us based upon our FVMR Methodology. Our research team constantly reviews the Thai market to try to find interesting ideas base upon Fundamentals or Valuation or Momentum or Risk or some combination thereof. </p><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sritex-tear-sheet-lucror-analytics-89648093-0639-4666-a47c-ac1899e8691d" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43168" rel="noopener">Sritex - Tear Sheet,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/leonard-law-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7106" rel="noopener">Leonard Law, CFA</a> presents his credit views view on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sri-rejeki-isman-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20178:1" rel="noopener">Sri Rejeki Isman (SRIL IJ)</a> (Sritex). He views Sritex as “High Risk” on the LARA scale.</p>


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 InsightsIn Ultrajaya Milk Ind &amp; Trading (ULTJ IJ) - A Wholesome Performance, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits Indonesia's leading dairy player after a conversation with management. In PT Nippon Indosari Corpindo (ROTI IJ) - ROTI's Exit from Philippines a Positive,Angus Mackintosh revisits Indonesia's largest mass-market bread player after its announcement it would exit the Philippines to focus on its Indonesian home market. In Sido Muncul (SIDO): Switch, Competitor and Split, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Henry Soediarko revisits Indonesian traditional medicine player Sido Muncul (SIDO IJ) with an update post it recently announced stock split. In Bluebird (BIRD): Correlated with PSBB, Beneficiary of WFH to WFO Switch, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Henry Soediarko revisits Indonesia's largest taxi operator.In Small-Cap Diary: Singha Hotels, PTG Energy, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA reports back having visited two interesting companies recently, namely S Hotels &amp; Resorts PCL (SHR TB) (Singha Hotels), and Ptg Energy Pcl (PTG TB), the country's second-largest gas station operator.In Sembcorp Marine Rights Issue Results: Looks Like a Scheme of Introduction, events specialist Travis Lundy revisits Sembcorp Marine (SMM SP) in the wake of recent announcements. 
In Capitaland Mall and CCT Merger: Circular Finally Out. Looks Done.Travis Lundy revisits this ongoing merger in Singapore. 
 In Singapore Exchange – Taiwan A Standout In August,Brian Freitas circles back to SGX (SGX SP) post its monthly numbers.  In JWD: Entering High Season with Growth Drivers from New Projects, our friends at Country Group revisit JWD Infologistics (JWD TB) in Thailand. In GLOBAL: Home-Improvement Player Eyes Opportunities in ASEAN,Country Group initiate coverage on Thai home improvement player Siam Global House (GLOBAL TB). Sector and Thematic InsightsIn Malaysia: Heineken Vs Carlsberg (Close), CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits this pair trade, which he recommends to close. In Indonesia Banks – Vastly Differing Tales, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush compares tow Indonesian banks, Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) and Bank Danamon Indonesia (BDMN IJ), and finds two very different stories.In The Stocks to Own in ASEAN – Vol. 32,Dr Andrew Stotz, CFA highlights 14 stocks in ASEAN that look interesting to him based upon our FVMR Methodology. His research team constantly reviews the ASEAN markets to try to find interesting ideas based on Fundamentals or Valuation or Momentum or Risk or some combination thereof.In The Stocks to Own in Thailand – Vol. 30,Dr Andrew Stotz, CFA highlight 14 stocks in Thailand that look interesting to us based upon our FVMR Methodology. Our research team constantly reviews the Thai market to try to find interesting ideas base upon Fundamentals or Valuation or Momentum or Risk or some combination thereof. Credit InsightsIn Sritex - Tear Sheet,Leonard Law, CFA presents his credit views view on Sri Rejeki Isman (SRIL IJ) (Sritex). He views Sritex as “High Risk” on the LARA scale.

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Indonesian Dairy, Bank Central Asia, and Thai Picks

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<p><em><strong>Corrigenda: There is an error in this Insight. Please note the correction.</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>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>.</strong></em></p>
</div>
<hr>
<div class="content-highlight">
<p>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.</p>
<p>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></p>
</div>
<h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p> 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></p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3>
<p>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. </p>


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

Indonesia

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk is formed by the merger of four state-owned banks, namely Pt Bank Bumi Daya, PT Bank Dagang Negara, PT Bank Ekspor Import Indonesia (Bank Exim), PT Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bank Bapindo). The Bank operates in the commercial banking services.

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Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)

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@Smartkarma - SE Asia's Consumer Proxy, Wilmar's YKA IPO, and CRC

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

Angus Mackintosh

South Asian Banks - State Banks Differ

We sometimes view state banks as lethargic and prone to higher bad loans than other banks. In the current world, it is worth assessing how some of...

Daniel Tabbush

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Indonesian Dairy, Bank Central Asia, and Thai Picks

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

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

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