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

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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 Insight <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bjbr-positive-fundamental-momentum-at-a-decent-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44897" rel="noopener">BJBR: Positive Fundamental Momentum at a Decent Valuation</a> was improperly attributed to Thomas Monaco. It was published by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/paul-hollingworth" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:2554" rel="noopener">Paul Hollingworth</a>.</strong></em></p>
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<p>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.</p>
<p>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.  </p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/smartkarma-corporate-webinar-indo-banks-the-worst-is-over" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44882" rel="noopener">Smartkarma Corporate Webinar | Indo Banks: The Worst Is Over</a></strong>-<strong> 10th November at 4 pm.</strong></p>
<p>For our next Corporate Webinar, we welcome <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>'s Group Head of Investor Relations, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/yohan-setio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yohan Setio</a>, who will share some company updates and sit down for a fireside chat with Smartkarma Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a>.</p>
<h2>Indonesia's Recovery and the Next Digital Darling</h2>
<p>This week below the fold we look at Indonesia's recent economic numbers which saw the country slide into recession, its first since the Asian Crisis but find it encouraging that the economy is moving onto a recovery track. We see selective banks and <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> as core ways to play this recovery. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sea-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8509:1" rel="noopener">Sea Ltd (SE US)</a> is SoutEast Asia's largest Market Cap stock, and there are very few if any alternatives to get exposure to the region's e-commerce boom, certainly in the listed universe. One potential future candidate is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7752:1" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ),</a> which is the major shareholder of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/surya-citra-media-pt-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14739:1" rel="noopener">PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ)</a> but it also has stakes in Bukalapak and Dana, the number three digital payments player in Indonesia and a JV with Ant Financial.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7752:1" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ)</a> has announced that it will seek approval for a stock split in December but this may not be the end of the story. Any restructuring which brings all of its digital assets under one roof and improves liquidity would certainly help the company attract more institutional investors and secure a higher valuation. </p>
<h3>Macro Insights</h3>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-strategy-2021-part-2-top-10-stock-picks" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:40851" rel="noopener">Thai Strategy 2021 (Part 2): Top 10 Stock Picks,</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> lays out his top stock picks in Thailand for next year.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-strategy-2021-part-3-sector-outlooks" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:40864" rel="noopener">Thai Strategy 2021 (Part 3): Sector Outlooks,</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> provides us with his sector strategy in Thailand for the coming year. </p>
<h3>Equity Bottom Up</h3>
<p>In an Indonesian Insight,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/astra-international-asii-ij-an-auto-recovery-story-with-a-golden-digital-twist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Astra International (ASII IJ) - An Auto-Recovery Story with a Golden Digital Twist</a>, CrossASEAN Insight provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> returns to look at<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/astra-international-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Astra International (ASII IJ)</a> after a conversation with management. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pt-surya-citra-media-tbk-scma-ij-let-the-games-begin" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44914" rel="noopener">PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ) - Let the Games Begin,</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 Indonesia's leading media companies, which has an increasingly digital twist.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/aem-holdings-optimistic-on-fy21-fair-value-remains-at-5-sgd-41-upside" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44915" rel="noopener">AEM Holdings: Optimistic on FY21; Fair Value Remains at 5 SGD (41% Upside),</a> CrossASEAN Insight 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/aem-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11019:1" rel="noopener">AEM Holdings (AEM SP)</a> after an impressive set of results and remains positive.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bjbr-positive-fundamental-momentum-at-a-decent-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44897" rel="noopener">BJBR: Positive Fundamental Momentum at a Decent Valuation,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-j-monaco" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1716" rel="noopener">Thomas J. Monaco</a> writes on this smaller Indonesian lender with a positive slant.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/oversea-chinese-banking-corp-still-not-a-great-eastern" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44901" rel="noopener">Oversea Chinese Banking Corp – Still Not A Great Eastern,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-j-monaco" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1716" rel="noopener">Thomas J. Monaco</a> looked in detail at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/great-eastern-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13993:1" rel="noopener">Great Eastern Holdings (GE SP)</a> numbers ahead of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/oversea-chinese-banking-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:114:1" rel="noopener">Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC SP)</a> results. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/oversea-chinese-banking-corp-solid" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:45061" rel="noopener">Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. – Solid,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-j-monaco" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1716" rel="noopener">Thomas J. Monaco</a> revisits this Singapore lender with a positive view post its recent 3Q2020 numbers. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/surya-citra-media-pt-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14739:1" rel="noopener"></a>In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/dbs-group-holdings-not-trending-the-right-way-yet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> DBS Group Holdings – Not Trending The Right Way Yet</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-j-monaco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Thomas J. Monaco</a> reports back<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dbs-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> DBS Group Holdings (DBS SP)</a>'s post its recent 3Q2020 results with a chequered view.</p>
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<p>In this Thai Insight,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/hmpro-expect-government-stimulus-scheme-drive-4q20-recover-qoq" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> HMPRO: Expect Government Stimulus Scheme Drive 4Q20 Recover QoQ,</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> circle back to Thailand's leading home improvements player <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>
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<p>In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/synex-solid-earnings-growth-outlook-but-largely-priced-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> SYNEX: Solid Earnings Growth Outlook but Largely Priced In</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Country Group</a> provides a view on<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/synnex-thailand-pcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Synnex Thailand (SYNEX TB),</a> following the recent run-up in the share price. </p>
<p>In this Thai Insight, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scc-strong-3q20-thanks-to-petrochemical-spread" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SCC: Strong 3Q20 Thanks to Petrochemical Spread</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> return to look at<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-cement-pcl-the" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Siam Cement (SCC TB)</a> post 3Q2020 results. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mc-prominent-denim-brand-with-new-growth-momentum" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:45077" rel="noopener">MC: Prominent Denim Brand with New Growth Momentum,</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>initiate on this leading Thai denim apparel player. They initiate coverage of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mc-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17093:1" rel="noopener">MC Group Pcl (MC TB)</a> with a BUY rating and a target price of Bt12.0, derived from 18.5x FY21E PER, which is +1SD above its 5-year trading average but slightly lower than its global apparel peers.</p>
<h3>Credit Insights</h3>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/lippo-karawaci-earnings-flash-q3-fy-2020-results-lucror-analytics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lippo Karawaci - Earnings Flash - Q3 FY 2020 Results</a>, credit specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/trung-nguyen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Trung Nguyen</a> looks at<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lippo-karawaci-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lippo Karawaci (LPKR IJ)'s</a> after its recent results, which continued to be robust in Q32020. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/chandra-asri-earnings-flash-9m-fy-2020-results-lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44814" rel="noopener">Chandra Asri - Earnings Flash - 9M FY 2020 Results</a> credit specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/leonard-law-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7106" rel="noopener">Leonard Law, CFA</a> circles back to this leading chemicals player post 3Q2020 results.</p>


Corrigenda: There is an error in this Insight. Please note the correction.
Correction: The Insight BJBR: Positive Fundamental Momentum at a Decent Valuation was improperly attributed to Thomas Monaco. It was published by Paul Hollingworth.



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.  

Smartkarma Corporate Webinar | Indo Banks: The Worst Is Over- 10th November at 4 pm.
For our next Corporate Webinar, we welcome Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)'s Group Head of Investor Relations, Yohan Setio, who will share some company updates and sit down for a fireside chat with Smartkarma Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh.
Indonesia's Recovery and the Next Digital Darling
This week below the fold we look at Indonesia's recent economic numbers which saw the country slide into recession, its first since the Asian Crisis but find it encouraging that the economy is moving onto a recovery track. We see selective banks and Astra International (ASII IJ) as core ways to play this recovery. 
Sea Ltd (SE US) is SoutEast Asia's largest Market Cap stock, and there are very few if any alternatives to get exposure to the region's e-commerce boom, certainly in the listed universe. One potential future candidate is Emtek (EMTK IJ), which is the major shareholder of PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ) but it also has stakes in Bukalapak and Dana, the number three digital payments player in Indonesia and a JV with Ant Financial.
Emtek (EMTK IJ) has announced that it will seek approval for a stock split in December but this may not be the end of the story. Any restructuring which brings all of its digital assets under one roof and improves liquidity would certainly help the company attract more institutional investors and secure a higher valuation. 
Macro Insights
In Thai Strategy 2021 (Part 2): Top 10 Stock Picks, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA lays out his top stock picks in Thailand for next year.
In Thai Strategy 2021 (Part 3): Sector Outlooks, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA provides us with his sector strategy in Thailand for the coming year. 
Equity Bottom Up
In an Indonesian Insight, Astra International (ASII IJ) - An Auto-Recovery Story with a Golden Digital Twist, CrossASEAN Insight provider Angus Mackintosh returns to look at Astra International (ASII IJ) after a conversation with management. 
In PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ) - Let the Games Begin, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits one of Indonesia's leading media companies, which has an increasingly digital twist.
In AEM Holdings: Optimistic on FY21; Fair Value Remains at 5 SGD (41% Upside), CrossASEAN Insight Provider Nicolas Van Broekhoven revisits AEM Holdings (AEM SP) after an impressive set of results and remains positive.
In BJBR: Positive Fundamental Momentum at a Decent Valuation,Thomas J. Monaco writes on this smaller Indonesian lender with a positive slant.
In Oversea Chinese Banking Corp – Still Not A Great Eastern,Thomas J. Monaco looked in detail at Great Eastern Holdings (GE SP) numbers ahead of Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC SP) results. 
In Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. – Solid,Thomas J. Monaco revisits this Singapore lender with a positive view post its recent 3Q2020 numbers. 
In DBS Group Holdings – Not Trending The Right Way Yet, Thomas J. Monaco reports back DBS Group Holdings (DBS SP)'s post its recent 3Q2020 results with a chequered view.



In this Thai Insight, HMPRO: Expect Government Stimulus Scheme Drive 4Q20 Recover QoQ, our friends at Country Group circle back to Thailand's leading home improvements player Home Product Center (HMPRO TB). 



In SYNEX: Solid Earnings Growth Outlook but Largely Priced In, Country Group provides a view on Synnex Thailand (SYNEX TB), following the recent run-up in the share price. 
In this Thai Insight, SCC: Strong 3Q20 Thanks to Petrochemical Spread, our friends at Country Group return to look at Siam Cement (SCC TB) post 3Q2020 results. 
In MC: Prominent Denim Brand with New Growth Momentum, our friends at Country Groupinitiate on this leading Thai denim apparel player. They initiate coverage of MC Group Pcl (MC TB) with a BUY rating and a target price of Bt12.0, derived from 18.5x FY21E PER, which is +1SD above its 5-year trading average but slightly lower than its global apparel peers.
Credit Insights
In Lippo Karawaci - Earnings Flash - Q3 FY 2020 Results, credit specialist Trung Nguyen looks at Lippo Karawaci (LPKR IJ)'s after its recent results, which continued to be robust in Q32020. 
In Chandra Asri - Earnings Flash - 9M FY 2020 Results credit specialist Leonard Law, CFA circles back to this leading chemicals player post 3Q2020 results.

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Indonesia's Recovery and the Next Digital Darling

Equity Bottom-Up

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<p>A call with <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> management revealed that it has seen the worst of it for its core auto division, with a gradual recovery underway for both its autos and motorbikes, where its market share is back to pre-COVID-19 levels at 52% and 75% respectively.  Most of the company's businesses have already started to see significant recoveries from COVID-19 and this momentum will continue into the end of the year and into 2021. Watch out for the increasing impact of digitalization and potential acquisitions utilizing the proceeds of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-permata-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:728:1" rel="noopener">Bank Permata (BNLI IJ)</a> sale.</p>
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<p>October may see slightly less positive car sales given a 2nd round of PSBB measures were in place for half the month and consumers delayed purchases in the hope that luxury tax would be removed, which did not happen. </p>
<p><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> financial services arm is seeing some recovery and has already made adequate provisioning.</p>
<p>The company has a rock-solid balance sheet post the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-permata-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:728:1" rel="noopener">Bank Permata (BNLI IJ)</a> sale but is considering a number of investment opportunities, potentially in the digital space where it has already invested in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek (1379371D IJ)</a>.</p>
<p><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> is very focused on digitalizing its overall business with an "Astra Digital" department at head office focused on creating synergies across its businesses, as well as utilizing data analytics.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/united-tractors-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:698:1" rel="noopener">United Tractors (UNTR IJ)</a> is supported by its gold exposure, where this business is worth more than the rest of its businesses combined. </p>
<p><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> remains one of our top picks for the recovery in the Indonesian economy going into 2021. It trades on 12.7x FY21E PER, with EPS growth forecast at +9.5% and +20.6% for FY21E and FY22E respectively.</p>


A call with Astra International (ASII IJ) management revealed that it has seen the worst of it for its core auto division, with a gradual recovery underway for both its autos and motorbikes, where its market share is back to pre-COVID-19 levels at 52% and 75% respectively.  Most of the company's businesses have already started to see significant recoveries from COVID-19 and this momentum will continue into the end of the year and into 2021. Watch out for the increasing impact of digitalization and potential acquisitions utilizing the proceeds of the Bank Permata (BNLI IJ) sale.

October may see slightly less positive car sales given a 2nd round of PSBB measures were in place for half the month and consumers delayed purchases in the hope that luxury tax would be removed, which did not happen. 
Astra International (ASII IJ) financial services arm is seeing some recovery and has already made adequate provisioning.
The company has a rock-solid balance sheet post the Bank Permata (BNLI IJ) sale but is considering a number of investment opportunities, potentially in the digital space where it has already invested in Gojek (1379371D IJ).
Astra International (ASII IJ) is very focused on digitalizing its overall business with an "Astra Digital" department at head office focused on creating synergies across its businesses, as well as utilizing data analytics.
United Tractors (UNTR IJ) is supported by its gold exposure, where this business is worth more than the rest of its businesses combined. 
Astra International (ASII IJ) remains one of our top picks for the recovery in the Indonesian economy going into 2021. It trades on 12.7x FY21E PER, with EPS growth forecast at +9.5% and +20.6% for FY21E and FY22E respectively.

Astra International (ASII IJ) - An Auto-Recovery Story with a Golden Digital Twist

<div class="content-highlight">
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.  </p>
</div><h3>Macro Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/agong-asserts-himself-preventing-change-of-pm-but-disallowing-emergency-rule" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44572" rel="noopener">Agong Asserts Himself, Preventing Change of PM but Disallowing Emergency Rule,</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> comments on the ongoing political upheaval in Malaysia. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/trouble-down-south-it-s-not-just-the-virus" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44698" rel="noopener">Trouble Down South: It's Not Just the Virus,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-jim-walker" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1628" rel="noopener">Dr. Jim Walker</a> gives his prescriptions on why South East Asia has been such a poor performer this year. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-strategy-2021-part-1-key-themes" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:40842" rel="noopener">Thai Strategy 2021 (Part 1): Key Themes,</a> out 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> lays out his thoughts for the outlook for the Thai market next year. </p><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In his Indonesian Insight, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/matahari-department-store-lppf-ij-too-early-to-be-early" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44460" rel="noopener">Matahari Department Store (LPPF IJ) - Too Early to Be Early,</a> Cross ASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> circles back to the country's largest department store operator post its recent results. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/akr-corporindo-akra-ij-great-omnibus-expectations" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44611" rel="noopener">AKR Corporindo (AKRA IJ) - Great Omnibus Expectations,</a> CrossASEAN insight provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/akr-corporindo-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AKR Corporindo (AKRA IJ)</a> after its recent 3Q2020 results that continued to demonstrate its resilience, with an across the board improvement in margins, despite a decline in sales.</p><p>In a Malaysian Insight, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ql-resources-ql-take-profit" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44598" rel="noopener">QL Resources (QL): Take Profit?,</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 this commodity turned retail play, through its Family Mart business. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/far-east-hospitality-trust-feht-beneficiary-of-opening-up" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44649" rel="noopener">Far East Hospitality Trust (FEHT): Beneficiary of Opening Up,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/henry-soediarko" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Henry Soediarko</a> takes an initial look at<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/far-east-hospitality-trust" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Far East Hospitality Trust (FEHT SP),</a> the only hospitality REIT in Singapore with a 100% domestic hospitality exposure and a higher fixed rental component, offering a defensive exposure during this difficult market environment. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bca-profit-returns" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44605" rel="noopener">BCA – Profit Returns,</a> banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> revisits <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 finds the bank clawing back some of the ROA it lost during 2Q2020 in the most recent quarter. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bts-potential-positive-catalysts-ahead" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44691" rel="noopener">BTS: Potential Positive Catalysts Ahead,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisit this Thai transportation play with a more positive slant.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pttep-4q20-earnings-to-soften-from-lower-asp-and-volume-sales" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44740" rel="noopener">PTTEP: 4Q20 Earnings to Soften from Lower ASP and Volume Sales,</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> assess the prospects for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ptt-exploration-and-production-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:261:1" rel="noopener">PTT E&amp;P (PTTEP TB)</a> going into the end of the year.</p><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In this Insight, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/japfa-comfeed-earnings-flash-9m-fy-2020-results-lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44743" rel="noopener">Japfa Comfeed - Earnings Flash - 9M FY 2020 Results,</a> Senior Credit Analyst<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/trung-nguyen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Trung Nguyen</a> discusses <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japfa-comfeed-indonesia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8258:1" rel="noopener">Japfa Comfeed Indonesia (JPFA IJ)'</a>s 9M2020 results, which came in worse than expected (following a dismal Q22020), as the impact of COVID-19 reduced consumers' purchasing power and hit demand. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pan-brothers-earnings-flash-9m-fy-2020-results-lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44708" rel="noopener">Pan Brothers - Earnings Flash - 9M FY 2020 Results,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/lucror-analytics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucror Analytics</a> zeros in on the Pan Brothers’ Q3 and 9M2020 earnings. Pan Brothers’ cash flow generation remained poor, and it continued to report large working capital weakness. It appears unlikely that Pan Brothers will be able to increase the size of its syndication facility, given the low commitment from banks at the moment. </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.
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 Agong Asserts Himself, Preventing Change of PM but Disallowing Emergency Rule, CrossASEAN Chief Economist Prasenjit K. Basu comments on the ongoing political upheaval in Malaysia. In Trouble Down South: It's Not Just the Virus,Dr. Jim Walker gives his prescriptions on why South East Asia has been such a poor performer this year. In Thai Strategy 2021 (Part 1): Key Themes, out Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA lays out his thoughts for the outlook for the Thai market next year. Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn his Indonesian Insight, Matahari Department Store (LPPF IJ) - Too Early to Be Early, Cross ASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh circles back to the country's largest department store operator post its recent results. In AKR Corporindo (AKRA IJ) - Great Omnibus Expectations, CrossASEAN insight provider Angus Mackintosh revisits AKR Corporindo (AKRA IJ) after its recent 3Q2020 results that continued to demonstrate its resilience, with an across the board improvement in margins, despite a decline in sales.In a Malaysian Insight, QL Resources (QL): Take Profit?, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Henry Soediarko revisits this commodity turned retail play, through its Family Mart business. In Far East Hospitality Trust (FEHT): Beneficiary of Opening Up, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Henry Soediarko takes an initial look at Far East Hospitality Trust (FEHT SP), the only hospitality REIT in Singapore with a 100% domestic hospitality exposure and a higher fixed rental component, offering a defensive exposure during this difficult market environment. In BCA – Profit Returns, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush revisits Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) and finds the bank clawing back some of the ROA it lost during 2Q2020 in the most recent quarter. In BTS: Potential Positive Catalysts Ahead,Country Group revisit this Thai transportation play with a more positive slant.In PTTEP: 4Q20 Earnings to Soften from Lower ASP and Volume Sales, our friends at Country Group assess the prospects for PTT E&amp;P (PTTEP TB) going into the end of the year.Credit InsightsIn this Insight, Japfa Comfeed - Earnings Flash - 9M FY 2020 Results, Senior Credit Analyst Trung Nguyen discusses Japfa Comfeed Indonesia (JPFA IJ)'s 9M2020 results, which came in worse than expected (following a dismal Q22020), as the impact of COVID-19 reduced consumers' purchasing power and hit demand. In Pan Brothers - Earnings Flash - 9M FY 2020 Results,Lucror Analytics zeros in on the Pan Brothers’ Q3 and 9M2020 earnings. Pan Brothers’ cash flow generation remained poor, and it continued to report large working capital weakness. It appears unlikely that Pan Brothers will be able to increase the size of its syndication facility, given the low commitment from banks at the moment. 

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - South East Asia Lags, the Bank's Return, and Nimble Staples

<div class="content-highlight">
<p><strong>The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma</strong><strong>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.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We add below a NEW section</strong>, <strong>which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  </strong></p>
</div><h3>Macro Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/more-rune-reading-trade-balances-have-given-a-good-insight" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43301" rel="noopener">More Rune Reading: Trade Balances Have Given a Good Insight,</a> Economist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-jim-walker" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1628" rel="noopener">Dr Jim Walker</a> looks at the relationship between trade balances and domestic demand across the region. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thailand-s-tourism-dilemma-buy-retailers-hospitals-and-select-hotels" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43526" rel="noopener">Thailand's Tourism Dilemma - Buy Retailers, Hospitals, and Select Hotels,</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> examines the impact of the sharp downturn of tourism in Thailand and which sectors and companies will benefit most from an impending recovery.  </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/could-vietnamese-equities-be-set-for-take-off" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43793" rel="noopener">Could Vietnamese Equities Be Set For Take-Off?,</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> zeros in on the Vietnamese market, where he sees potential for a sharp recovery. </p><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/comfort-delgro-cd-staycation-expo-and-no-more-rental-relief" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43391" rel="noopener">Comfort Delgro (CD): Staycation, Expo and No More Rental Relief,</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 Singapore's leading taxi operator <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/comfortdelgro-corp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:497:1" rel="noopener">Comfortdelgro Corp (CD SP)</a>, as he sees potential catalysts on the horizon. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/wilmar-yka-s-pricing-cheap-rump-stake" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43702" rel="noopener">Wilmar: YKA's Pricing &amp; Cheap Rump Stake,</a> events specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> returns to look at the listing of its China Agribusiness unit under Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings' (YKA), which is seeing strong demand but he finds the real value in the stub value if Wilmar's other assets.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/fct-placement-well-flagged-but-still-a-large-deal-to-digest" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43659" rel="noopener">FCT Placement - Well Flagged but Still a Large Deal to Digest,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sumeet-singh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4" rel="noopener">Sumeet Singh</a> revisits the deal dynamics of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/frasers-centrepoint-trust" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2870:1" rel="noopener">Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT SP)</a> planned placement.</p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/frasers-centrepoint-trust" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2870:1" rel="noopener"></a>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-short-term-catalysts-are-not-attractive" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43675" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO: Short-Term Catalysts Are Not Attractive,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/supun-walpola" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1650" rel="noopener">Supun Walpola</a> take an initial look at this upcoming Thai packaging IPO and finds it unattractive short-term. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-risks-rewards-attractive-at-the-higher-end-of-the-ipo-price-range" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43751" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO: Risks-Rewards Attractive at the Higher-End of the IPO Price Range,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/supun-walpola" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1650" rel="noopener">Supun Walpola</a> revisits this major Thai packaging IPO, with a more positive tone. </p><h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-banks-down-but-coming-back" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43744" rel="noopener">Thai Banks: Down But Coming Back,</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 Thai Banks in light of a gradual opening-up by the country to foreign tourists, albeit in a small way short term. </p><p> In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-media-spotlight-collapse-or-redemption" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42462" rel="noopener">Thai Media Spotlight: Collapse or Redemption?,</a> out 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> revisits the Thai Media sector in light of the COVID-19 recovery in the country.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ipo-stalker-sisb-s-pandemic-is-sri-trang-gloves-profits" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42035" rel="noopener">IPO Stalker: SISB's Pandemic Is Sri Trang Gloves' Profits</a>, <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 met with management from two recently IPO'd companies, namely <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sisb-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27425:1" rel="noopener">SISB Public Company Limited (SISB TB)</a> (the country's only listed school) and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sri-trang-gloves-thailand-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29141:1" rel="noopener">Sri Trang Gloves (STGT TB)</a>, the world's third-largest rubber glove producer and the hottest IPO on the SET in 2020. </p><div><div id="ember7971"><div id="ember7972"><p>In a Smartkarma Original,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/asia-dividend-forecasting-the-rise-and-fall-of-dividends-across-asian-companies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43022" rel="noopener"> Asia Dividend Forecasting | The Rise and Fall of Dividends Across Asian Companies,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/ankit-agrawal-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4555" rel="noopener">Ankit Agrawal, CFA,</a> bring us a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut dividends. </p></div></div></div><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jababeka-trade-war-beneficiary-with-time-on-its-side" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43636" rel="noopener">Jababeka: Trade War Beneficiary with Time on Its Side,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/derek-silva" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:13468" rel="noopener">Derek Silva</a> provides a view from a credit perspective on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kawasan-industri-jababeka-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7755:1" rel="noopener">Kawasan Industri Jababeka (KIJA IJ)</a>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gajah-tunggal-tear-sheet-lucror-analytics-2e687246-c77c-4d11-8a86-0d019a4b61c1" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43788" rel="noopener">Gajah Tunggal - 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> provides a top-down credit view on one of Indonesia's largest tyre manufacturers. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/alam-sutera-event-flash-tender-offer-for-2021-and-2022-notes-lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43760" rel="noopener">Alam Sutera - Event Flash - Tender Offer For 2021 And 2022 Notes</a>, credit specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/trung-nguyen" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7108" rel="noopener">Trung Nguyen</a> revisits this Indonesian property developer in light of a tender offer for its 2021 and 2022 Notes. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alam-sutera-realty-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2312:1" rel="noopener"></a></p>


The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarmais 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 More Rune Reading: Trade Balances Have Given a Good Insight, Economist Dr Jim Walker looks at the relationship between trade balances and domestic demand across the region. In Thailand's Tourism Dilemma - Buy Retailers, Hospitals, and Select Hotels, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh examines the impact of the sharp downturn of tourism in Thailand and which sectors and companies will benefit most from an impending recovery.  In Could Vietnamese Equities Be Set For Take-Off?, Strategist Michael J. Howell zeros in on the Vietnamese market, where he sees potential for a sharp recovery. Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Comfort Delgro (CD): Staycation, Expo and No More Rental Relief, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Henry Soediarko revisits Singapore's leading taxi operator Comfortdelgro Corp (CD SP), as he sees potential catalysts on the horizon. In Wilmar: YKA's Pricing &amp; Cheap Rump Stake, events specialist David Blennerhassett returns to look at the listing of its China Agribusiness unit under Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings' (YKA), which is seeing strong demand but he finds the real value in the stub value if Wilmar's other assets.In FCT Placement - Well Flagged but Still a Large Deal to Digest,Sumeet Singh revisits the deal dynamics of the Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT SP) planned placement.In SCG Packaging IPO: Short-Term Catalysts Are Not Attractive,Supun Walpola take an initial look at this upcoming Thai packaging IPO and finds it unattractive short-term. In SCG Packaging IPO: Risks-Rewards Attractive at the Higher-End of the IPO Price Range,Supun Walpola revisits this major Thai packaging IPO, with a more positive tone. Sector and Thematic InsightsIn Thai Banks: Down But Coming Back,Brian Freitas takes a look at Thai Banks in light of a gradual opening-up by the country to foreign tourists, albeit in a small way short term.  In Thai Media Spotlight: Collapse or Redemption?, out Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA revisits the Thai Media sector in light of the COVID-19 recovery in the country.In IPO Stalker: SISB's Pandemic Is Sri Trang Gloves' Profits, Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA reports back having met with management from two recently IPO'd companies, namely SISB Public Company Limited (SISB TB) (the country's only listed school) and Sri Trang Gloves (STGT TB), the world's third-largest rubber glove producer and the hottest IPO on the SET in 2020. In a Smartkarma Original, Asia Dividend Forecasting | The Rise and Fall of Dividends Across Asian Companies,Ankit Agrawal, CFA, bring us a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut dividends. Credit InsightsIn Jababeka: Trade War Beneficiary with Time on Its Side,Derek Silva provides a view from a credit perspective on Kawasan Industri Jababeka (KIJA IJ). In Gajah Tunggal - Tear Sheet, Leonard Law, CFA provides a top-down credit view on one of Indonesia's largest tyre manufacturers. In Alam Sutera - Event Flash - Tender Offer For 2021 And 2022 Notes, credit specialist Trung Nguyen revisits this Indonesian property developer in light of a tender offer for its 2021 and 2022 Notes. 

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thailand'sToursim Dilemma, Thai Banks, and Wilmar's Stub

<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/anwar-makes-his-move-at-last-election-in-sabah-this-week-should-bolster-him-too" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43522" rel="noopener">Anwar Makes His Move at Last; Election in Sabah This Week Should Bolster Him Too,</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> comments on Anwar's move to form a new Government in Malaysia.</p><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gojek-and-grab-a-merger-of-the-super-apps-on-the-offing-we-think-not" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:39926" rel="noopener">Gojek and Grab - A Merger of the Super Apps on the Offing? We Think Not,</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> takes a look at South East Asia's two leading ride-hailing companies in light of recent talk of a merger of the two Unicorns. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mitra-keluarga-mika-margin-expansion-from-covid-19" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43470" rel="noopener">Mitra Keluarga (MIKA): Margin Expansion from COVID-19</a> comments on one of Indonesia's best quality hospitals in light of COVID-19. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/snippets-44-more-turbulence-at-thai-four-new-airports" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42364" rel="noopener">Snippets #44: More Turbulence at THAI, Four New Airports!,</a> out 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> comments on five pieces of interesting news or developments that could impact Thai equities.  </p><p>in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bangkok-s-finest-bangkok-glass-and-bam" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:41197" rel="noopener">Bangkok's Finest: Bangkok Glass and BAM,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> follows up with two companies which came to IPO around two years ago, namely <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-glass-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27024:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Glass PCL (BG TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-commercial-asset-management-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28442:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM TB).</a></p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/dbs-reckoning-at-quarter-end" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43528" rel="noopener">DBS – Reckoning At Quarter End,</a> banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dbs-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22:1" rel="noopener">DBS Group Holdings (DBS SP)</a> ahead of its quarterly results, where he sees the potential for a positive surprise.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-unexciting" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43557" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO - Unexciting</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sumeet-singh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4" rel="noopener">Sumeet Singh</a> revisits this up-and-coming IPO born out of <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>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-valuation-insights" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43464" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO: Valuation Insights,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/arun-george" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1680" rel="noopener">Arun George</a> casts his eye over this significant Thai IPO looking at valuations.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/home-improvement-sector-outlook-2h20" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43567" rel="noopener">Home Improvement Sector Outlook 2H20,</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> provide an update on the home-improvement segment in Thailand and maintain a positive outlook on both <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>,  <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> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dohome-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27331:1" rel="noopener">Dohome PCL (DOHOME TB)</a>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gunkul-profit-from-japan-asset-disposal" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43534" rel="noopener">GUNKUL: Profit from Japan Asset Disposal</a>, <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/gunkul-engineering-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15272:1" rel="noopener">Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB)</a> following the disposal of a 67MW solar project in Japan (SCOD in 2022), where it booked special profit of Bt715m. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jkn-await-for-new-rerating-catalyst" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43529" rel="noopener">JKN: Await for New Rerating Catalyst</a>, <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/jkn-global-media-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24236:1" rel="noopener">JKN Global Media (JKN TB)</a> following the recent surge in the share price and downgrade the company recommendation to HOLD. </p><h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-banks-leveraged-to-tourism" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43487" rel="noopener">Thai Banks – Leveraged To Tourism?</a>, banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> revisits the Thai banks as the country prepares to open its borders to foreign arrivals, albeit in a small way to start with.  </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/top-100-asian-unicorns" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43552" rel="noopener">Top 100 Asian Unicorns</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/douglas-kim" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:342" rel="noopener">Douglas Kim</a> provides a list with summaries of the top 100 unicorns in Asia (including a number in South East Asia), broken down by the major countries in Asia. </p><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pakuwon-jati-tear-sheet-lucror-analytics-3ea61a3d-39e3-4628-b256-4d7b1da56f77" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43496" rel="noopener">Pakuwon Jati - Tear Sheet</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/trung-nguyen" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7108" rel="noopener">Trung Nguyen</a> from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:1350" rel="noopener">Lucror Analytics</a> provides us with a bird's eye view of this leading Indonesian Property company from a credit perspective. </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.
Macro InsightsIn Anwar Makes His Move at Last; Election in Sabah This Week Should Bolster Him Too, CrossASEAN Chief Economist Prasenjit K. Basu comments on Anwar's move to form a new Government in Malaysia.Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Gojek and Grab - A Merger of the Super Apps on the Offing? We Think Not, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh takes a look at South East Asia's two leading ride-hailing companies in light of recent talk of a merger of the two Unicorns. In Mitra Keluarga (MIKA): Margin Expansion from COVID-19 comments on one of Indonesia's best quality hospitals in light of COVID-19. In Snippets #44: More Turbulence at THAI, Four New Airports!, out Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA comments on five pieces of interesting news or developments that could impact Thai equities.  in Bangkok's Finest: Bangkok Glass and BAM,Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA follows up with two companies which came to IPO around two years ago, namely Bangkok Glass PCL (BG TB) and Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM TB).In DBS – Reckoning At Quarter End, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush revisits DBS Group Holdings (DBS SP) ahead of its quarterly results, where he sees the potential for a positive surprise.In SCG Packaging IPO - Unexciting, Sumeet Singh revisits this up-and-coming IPO born out of Siam Cement (SCC TB). In SCG Packaging IPO: Valuation Insights,Arun George casts his eye over this significant Thai IPO looking at valuations.In Home Improvement Sector Outlook 2H20, our friends at Country Group provide an update on the home-improvement segment in Thailand and maintain a positive outlook on both Home Product Center (HMPRO TB),  Siam Global House (GLOBAL TB), and Dohome PCL (DOHOME TB). In GUNKUL: Profit from Japan Asset Disposal, Country Group revisit Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB) following the disposal of a 67MW solar project in Japan (SCOD in 2022), where it booked special profit of Bt715m. In JKN: Await for New Rerating Catalyst, Country Group revisit JKN Global Media (JKN TB) following the recent surge in the share price and downgrade the company recommendation to HOLD. Sector and Thematic InsightsIn Thai Banks – Leveraged To Tourism?, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush revisits the Thai banks as the country prepares to open its borders to foreign arrivals, albeit in a small way to start with.  In Top 100 Asian Unicorns, Douglas Kim provides a list with summaries of the top 100 unicorns in Asia (including a number in South East Asia), broken down by the major countries in Asia. Credit InsightsIn Pakuwon Jati - Tear Sheet, Trung Nguyen from Lucror Analytics provides us with a bird's eye view of this leading Indonesian Property company from a credit perspective. 

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Unicorns & Super Apps, SCG Packaging, and Thai Banks

Indonesia

PT United Tractors Tbk distributes and leases construction machinery including Komatsu, Nissan Diesel, Scania, Bomag, Valmet, and Tadano brands.  The Company also provides contract mining services, and trades and assembles heavy equipment.

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United Tractors (UNTR IJ)

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