IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Murakami's entity, City Index Eleventh, <a href="https://disclosure2dl.edinet-fsa.go.jp/searchdocument/pdf/S100SXVR.pdf?sv=2020-08-04&amp;st=2024-02-28T11%3A55%3A56Z&amp;se=2029-02-28T15%3A00%3A00Z&amp;sr=b&amp;sp=rl&amp;sig=KsmAvBaNzu2rEiYRuXlPOtKaHqN1iiDtl2acvAB9gH8%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> a 5.42% shareholding in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/aozora-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6483:1" rel="noopener">Aozora Bank Ltd (8304 JP)</a>. Murakami started buying a day after the disastrous 3QFY23 results.</li>
<li>Murakami's average buy-in price is JPY2,137.88 per share, a 34% discount to the pre-3QFY23 results share price. </li>
<li>Murakami's disclosure suggests two possibilities: the start of an activist campaign or a short-term trading play replicating the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pacific-metals-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3439:1" rel="noopener">Pacific Metals (5541 JP)</a> playbook.</li>
</ul>


Murakami's entity, City Index Eleventh, reported a 5.42% shareholding in Aozora Bank Ltd (8304 JP). Murakami started buying a day after the disastrous 3QFY23 results.
Murakami's average buy-in price is JPY2,137.88 per share, a 34% discount to the pre-3QFY23 results share price. 
Murakami's disclosure suggests two possibilities: the start of an activist campaign or a short-term trading play replicating the Pacific Metals (5541 JP) playbook.


Aozora Bank (8304 JP): Murakami Becomes a Substantial Shareholder

Financials & FinTech research, Galliano’s Financials Research

Victor Galliano

Financials & FinTech research

Financials & FinTech, EM & Developed Markets

Galliano’s Financials Research

Galliano's Financials Research provides fundamental research in Emerging Markets financials, including FinTech, as well as financials in select Developed Markets.

The investment style applied is generally value oriented, although Growth At Reasonable Price (GARP) strategies can also be used where appropriate. 

Our investment research approach aim is often contrarian, looking to capitalise on overly sceptical or optimistic consensus views. In terms of valuation techniques, the focus is on PBV ratio to ROE, PE multiples and dividend yield, as well as the application of PEG ratios and, where appropriate, Sum of the Parts (SOTP) valuations.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>3QFY23 results reveal losses related to Aozora’s US CRE exposure and securities portfolio; management forecasts a FY23 loss and a 50% cut in the previously forecast FY2023 dividend</li>
<li>US CRE exposure is 6.6% of total loans and Aozora’s US CRE deterioration propelled the NPL ratio to 2.87% up 162bps QoQ, the worst NPL ratio of the peer group</li>
<li>The securities portfolio hits are in US MBS and US bond ETFs; SMFG and Mizuho have large relative FX bond exposures, but they have less duration risk</li>
</ul>


3QFY23 results reveal losses related to Aozora’s US CRE exposure and securities portfolio; management forecasts a FY23 loss and a 50% cut in the previously forecast FY2023 dividend
US CRE exposure is 6.6% of total loans and Aozora’s US CRE deterioration propelled the NPL ratio to 2.87% up 162bps QoQ, the worst NPL ratio of the peer group
The securities portfolio hits are in US MBS and US bond ETFs; SMFG and Mizuho have large relative FX bond exposures, but they have less duration risk


Aozora Bank (8304 JP) – Two Bets Too Far

Mizuho Financial Group / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>The Financial System Report published on April 18th focuses on the key Japanese bank issues, including the prospect of domestic rate hikes</li>
<li>We focus primarily on the key take-aways from the BoJ report, in particular with relation to potential rate hikes; our key picks appear to be better geared than the average</li>
<li>We highlight Resona, Mizuho and Concordia in the bigger caps, with positive views on Suruga, Gunma and Tokyo Kiraboshi in the regional banks</li>
</ul>


The Financial System Report published on April 18th focuses on the key Japanese bank issues, including the prospect of domestic rate hikes
We focus primarily on the key take-aways from the BoJ report, in particular with relation to potential rate hikes; our key picks appear to be better geared than the average
We highlight Resona, Mizuho and Concordia in the bigger caps, with positive views on Suruga, Gunma and Tokyo Kiraboshi in the regional banks


Potential Domestic Rate Hike Impacts Highlighted in the BoJ’s Latest Financial System Report

<ul>
<li>The Japanese banks’ share prices have barely moved following the Bank of Japan’s exit from negative interest rates; is it largely discounted or does the continued accommodative stance instil caution? </li>
<li>Japanese banks will benefit from 100% of their deposits at the BoJ earning 0.1%, as opposed to 40% of bank deposits which was the case up to the 20th March</li>
<li>We believe our positive recommendations are all geared into higher domestic interest rates; we highlight Resona, Mizuho and Suruga in this report for their high cash and at bank balances</li>
</ul>


The Japanese banks’ share prices have barely moved following the Bank of Japan’s exit from negative interest rates; is it largely discounted or does the continued accommodative stance instil caution? 
Japanese banks will benefit from 100% of their deposits at the BoJ earning 0.1%, as opposed to 40% of bank deposits which was the case up to the 20th March
We believe our positive recommendations are all geared into higher domestic interest rates; we highlight Resona, Mizuho and Suruga in this report for their high cash and at bank balances


Japanese Banks – Cash Balances and the BoJ’s Negative Interest Rate Policy Exit

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.

<ul>
<li>HSBC will release its results on Thursday and there remains risk of far worse credit metrics, not only related to CRE lending in HK and China</li>
<li>Construction loan risks are tangentially related to CRE and are also considered fairly high risk, where HSBC can see sizable migration to stage 3 loans</li>
<li>HSBC remains highly concentrated in UK and N America in its wholesale lending book, which we do not believe is well understood, and risky given economies</li>
</ul>


HSBC will release its results on Thursday and there remains risk of far worse credit metrics, not only related to CRE lending in HK and China
Construction loan risks are tangentially related to CRE and are also considered fairly high risk, where HSBC can see sizable migration to stage 3 loans
HSBC remains highly concentrated in UK and N America in its wholesale lending book, which we do not believe is well understood, and risky given economies


HSBC - Results on Thursday, Risk of BoCom Mark Down, Heavy UK, US Corporate Lending Not Positive

Japan

The 77 Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank in Tohoku area.  The Bank provides general banking services including deposits, loans, and exchange transactions. The Bank also provides others financial services such as securities brokerage, trust banking, letter of credit, leasing, credit cards, and computer services.

Yamaguchi Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of Yamaguchi Bank and Momiji Holdings. The Group provides variety of financial services such as deposits, loans, foreign exchange transactions, leasing and credit cards.

Seven Bank, Ltd. provides banking services mainly through Automated Teller Machine (ATM) across Japan. The bank cooperates with affiliated financial institutions to establish the nationwide ATM network and provide remote banking services, including deposits and loans.

The Gunma Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank based in Gunma Prefecture.  The Bank provides banking services such as deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transaction.  The Gunma Bank also provides financial services such as leasing, credit cards, letter of credit, and investment advisory, and develops information systems.

Hokuhoku Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company, which manages financial operations for its subsidiaries.  As a financial group, the Company provides general banking services including deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transactions.  The Group also provides other financial services such as leasing and credit cards.

Kyushu Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of Higo Bank and Kagoshima Bank.  The Bank provides banking services such as deposits, loans, and exchange transactions.  Kyushu Financial Group also provides other financial services including security brokerage, credit cards, leasing, and letters of credit.

Nishi-Nippon Financial Holding Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of The Nishi-Nippon City Bank, Limited, The Bank of Nagasaki, Ltd and Nishi Nippon Shinyo Hosho. The group manages the subsidiary companies and provides variety of financial services.

Suruga Bank Ltd. is a Shizuoka based regional bank mainly operating in the Kanto area (central eastern part of Japan) including Tokyo.  The Bank provides deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transactions.  The Suruga Bank also provides financial services such as leasing, letter of credit, and credit cards services.

The San-in Godo Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank mainly operating in Shimane and Tottori Prefectures.  The Bank offers banking services including deposits, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and securities brokerage.  The San-in Godo Bank also provides financial services such as leasing, credit cards, letter of credit, invests in venture capital, and develops software.

North Pacific Bank, Ltd. is the surviving company through the merger of Sapporo Hokuyo Holdings. The company provides banking services including deposits, loans, foreign currency transactions, trust banking, and securities investments.

Trustmark Corporation is the holding company for Trustmark National Bank. The Bank offers a variety of banking, investment, and insurance solutions to corporate, institutional, and individual customers in Mississippi and Tennessee.

Tisco Financial Group Pcl is a bank holding company.  The Company's banking subsidiary offers working capital, project, term, automobile and home loans; custodian services; securities brokerage; mutual funds; and private banking; and advises on equity and debt capital markets, privatizations, debt restructuring, project finance, and mergers and acquisitions.

BNK Financial Group Inc. a holding company, provides a full range of consumer and commercial banking-related financial services. The Company's main businesses include banking, trust banking, and assets management to individuals, businesses, and other financial institutions.

Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint-Stock Bank, known as Sacombank, operates various personal and corporate banking services such as deposits, foreign exchange transactions, loans, outward transfer, and international payments.

Bank of Chongqing Co. Ltd. provides commercial banking services. The Company offers financial services to individuals and enterprises including deposits, loans, settlement, currency trading, financial & government bonds, and credit cards services. Bank of Chongqing also offers international services.

PT Bank Permata Tbk provides commercial and foreign exchange banking services through a network of offices in Indonesia.  The Bank also performs custodianship and trusteeship services as well as manages pension funds.

Customers Bancorp, Inc. provides banking services. The Company offers checking and saving accounts, personal and commercial loans, and retirement planning services. Customers Bancorp serves customers throughout the State of Pennsylvania.

Triumph Financial Inc. offers traditional banking products as well as commercial finance products to businesses that require specialized and tailored financial solutions.

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida operates as a bank holding company. The Bank, through its subsidiaries, offers a full range of banking and investment services, including personal and business deposit products, personal, commercial, and mortgage loans, wealth management services, and treasury management solutions.

King's Town Bank accepts deposits and offers various kinds of loans. The Bank provides notes and bills discounting, collecting, guarantee, remittance, securities brokerage and financing, letter of credit, foreign exchange, and traveler checks services.

Aozora Bank, Ltd. provides banking services including deposits, savings, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and securities investments. Aozora Bank also provides services such as trust account, resolution and collection, and venture capital.

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Aozora Bank Ltd (8304 JP)

Aozora Bank (8304 JP): Murakami Becomes a Substantial Shareholder

Murakami's disclosure suggests two possibilities: the start of an activist campaign or a short-term trading play replicating the Pacific Metals...

Arun George

Aozora Bank (8304 JP) – Two Bets Too Far

Aozora Bank's losses from US CRE and securities point to a projected FY23 loss and a dividend cut, with it having the highest overseas loan share...

Victor Galliano

Potential Domestic Rate Hike Impacts Highlighted in the BoJ’s Latest Financial System Report

The BoJ's FSR focuses on issues like potential domestic rate hikes. Key picks are Resona, Mizuho, and Concordia in big caps, the positive regional...

Victor Galliano

Japanese Banks – Cash Balances and the BoJ’s Negative Interest Rate Policy Exit

Japanese banks' share prices mark time post-BoJ's exit from negative interest rates, due to BoJ'S continued accommodative stance. We highlight...

Victor Galliano

HSBC - Results on Thursday, Risk of BoCom Mark Down, Heavy UK, US Corporate Lending Not Positive

HSBC reports results Thursday. Credit metrics in CRE lending HK, CH are of concern, but so are construction loans. UK and N America corporate loan...

Daniel Tabbush

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52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Aozora Bank (8304 JP): Murakami Becomes a Substantial Shareholder

Murakami's disclosure suggests two possibilities: the start of an activist campaign or a short-term trading play replicating the Pacific Metals...

Arun George

Aozora Bank (8304 JP) – Two Bets Too Far

​Aozora Bank's losses from US CRE and securities point to a projected FY23 loss and a dividend cut, with it having the highest overseas loan share...

Victor Galliano

Potential Domestic Rate Hike Impacts Highlighted in the BoJ’s Latest Financial System Report

​The BoJ's FSR focuses on issues like potential domestic rate hikes. Key picks are Resona, Mizuho, and Concordia in big caps, the positive regional...

Victor Galliano

Japanese Banks – Cash Balances and the BoJ’s Negative Interest Rate Policy Exit

​Japanese banks' share prices mark time post-BoJ's exit from negative interest rates, due to BoJ'S continued accommodative stance. We highlight...

Victor Galliano

HSBC - Results on Thursday, Risk of BoCom Mark Down, Heavy UK, US Corporate Lending Not Positive

HSBC reports results Thursday. Credit metrics in CRE lending HK, CH are of concern, but so are construction loans. UK and N America corporate loan...

Daniel Tabbush

Aozora Bank's losses from US CRE and securities point to a projected FY23 loss and a dividend cut, with it having the highest overseas loan share...

The BoJ's FSR focuses on issues like potential domestic rate hikes. Key picks are Resona, Mizuho, and Concordia in big caps, the positive regional...

Japanese banks' share prices mark time post-BoJ's exit from negative interest rates, due to BoJ'S continued accommodative stance. We highlight...