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

Equity Bottom-Up

Philippine Stock Exchange / Equity Bottom-Up

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Despite pressures on the Philippines from strict lockdowns and continuing issues with rising cases of COVID-19, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/philippine-stock-exchange-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23182:1" rel="noopener">Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE PM)</a> looks increasingly attractive with a powerful combination of rising volumes and a significant pipeline of IPOs in 2021. 
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The exchange has also been a direct beneficiary of COVID-19 as it has encouraged the influx of greater numbers of retail investors, which has boosted market volumes significantly. 
The <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/philippine-stock-exchange-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23182:1" rel="noopener">Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE PM)</a> currently only has 272 listed companies, which looks quite a low number but is in the process of encouraging more smaller companies to list. 
The rapid increase in IPOs should be positive for margins given the high listing fees that the listing of new shares attracts. We have just seen the approval pass for the US$1bn <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/monde-nissin-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:32188:1" rel="noopener">Monde Nissin Corp (0191881D PM)</a> IPO, which will focus attention on the overall market.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/philippine-stock-exchange-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23182:1" rel="noopener">Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE PM)</a> has outlined a number of new initiatives to increase liquidity and the number of new listings.
The company is also looking to increasingly digitize its business by upgrading its clearing and settlement system and shortening settlement to T+2. 
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<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/philippine-stock-exchange-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23182:1" rel="noopener">Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE PM)</a> is trading at a discount to regional exchanges on 17.1x FY21E PER, which trades on an average forward PER of 29x. There are also a number of potential catalysts ahead, the most obvious being higher volumes, driven by increasing retail participation plus more IPOs in FY2021.
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Despite pressures on the Philippines from strict lockdowns and continuing issues with rising cases of COVID-19, Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE PM) looks increasingly attractive with a powerful combination of rising volumes and a significant pipeline of IPOs in 2021. 

The exchange has also been a direct beneficiary of COVID-19 as it has encouraged the influx of greater numbers of retail investors, which has boosted market volumes significantly. 
The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE PM) currently only has 272 listed companies, which looks quite a low number but is in the process of encouraging more smaller companies to list. 
The rapid increase in IPOs should be positive for margins given the high listing fees that the listing of new shares attracts. We have just seen the approval pass for the US$1bn Monde Nissin Corp (0191881D PM) IPO, which will focus attention on the overall market.
Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE PM) has outlined a number of new initiatives to increase liquidity and the number of new listings.
The company is also looking to increasingly digitize its business by upgrading its clearing and settlement system and shortening settlement to T+2. 

Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE PM) is trading at a discount to regional exchanges on 17.1x FY21E PER, which trades on an average forward PER of 29x. There are also a number of potential catalysts ahead, the most obvious being higher volumes, driven by increasing retail participation plus more IPOs in FY2021.


Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE PM) - Overlooked and On the Up

Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Independent Insight Provider

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

*Trying SPACs On For Size: On March 31, 2021, the Singapore Exchange (SGX.SP) [SGX] issued a Consultation Paper on the Proposed Listing Framework for Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The Consultation Paper is seeking comments on policy/rule proposals to allow SPAC listings on SGX;  *Blank Check Companies: Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are not new and have historically focused on the Over the Counter (OTC) pink sheet companies. SPACs are essentially known as blank check companies, essentially a shell company which raises a significant amount cash in an IPO; and*Not A Panacea: SPACs are not the panacea which will resolve SGX’s weakened revenue stream. Keep in mind that the majority of the US-listed SPACs remain below their USD 10 per share offering price and only seven have actually returned capital to investors. As the world heads toward a zero interest rate environment coupled with the giant vortex of skittish liquidity backstopped by central banks, the SPAC frenzy looks to be just the latest in a long line of unintended consequences of risk taking.

*Trying SPACs On For Size: On March 31, 2021, the Singapore Exchange (SGX.SP) [SGX] issued a Consultation Paper on the Proposed Listing Framework for Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The Consultation Paper is seeking comments on policy/rule proposals to allow SPAC listings on SGX;  *Blank Check Companies: Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are not new and have historically focused on the Over the Counter (OTC) pink sheet companies. SPACs are essentially known as blank check companies, essentially a shell company which raises a significant amount cash in an IPO; and*Not A Panacea: SPACs are not the panacea which will resolve SGX’s weakened revenue stream. Keep in mind that the majority of the US-listed SPACs remain below their USD 10 per share offering price and only seven have actually returned capital to investors. As the world heads toward a zero interest rate environment coupled with the giant vortex of skittish liquidity backstopped by central banks, the SPAC frenzy looks to be just the latest in a long line of unintended consequences of risk taking.

Singapore Exchange – Into Merlion’s Mouth

*Mainland Chinese Stock Exchange Powerhouse: According to Reuters, mainland China is contemplating the establishment of a new stock exchange to attract overseas-listed firms (including Hong Kong) which will bolster Shanghai’s status as a global financial center; and  *Here Comes The Pain Trade: If mainland China is successful this time around (and we think that they will be), it is probably pretty fair to say that the HKEX/mainland China growth story will have come to an abrupt end. In terms of where we are with valuation, HKEX’s P/E has exploded in the face of weaker volumes on the expectation of future US ADR listings. The increase in the stamp duty to cover Hong Kong’s tax shortfall only adds to the misery that HKEX may encounter.

*Mainland Chinese Stock Exchange Powerhouse: According to Reuters, mainland China is contemplating the establishment of a new stock exchange to attract overseas-listed firms (including Hong Kong) which will bolster Shanghai’s status as a global financial center; and  *Here Comes The Pain Trade: If mainland China is successful this time around (and we think that they will be), it is probably pretty fair to say that the HKEX/mainland China growth story will have come to an abrupt end. In terms of where we are with valuation, HKEX’s P/E has exploded in the face of weaker volumes on the expectation of future US ADR listings. The increase in the stamp duty to cover Hong Kong’s tax shortfall only adds to the misery that HKEX may encounter.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Building The HKEX Coffin

*Poor Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 4Q20 earnings of HKD 2.9 bn, declining HKD 522 mn (15.6%) linked quarter. Results were challenged on many fronts, as evidenced by HKEX’ negative operating jaws during the period, whereby revenues declined HKD 210 mn (4.0%) whilst expenses jumped HKD 187 mn (13.2%)– pushing its C/I ratio higher by 480 bp to 31.4%; and*Stamp Dutied: Despite the poor showing during 4Q20, the real story for HKEX is the issue of the stamp duty which likely will impact earnings and market sentiment for the foreseeable future. Given the financial stress of the pandemic on the finances of the Hong Kong government,  on February 24, 2021 it was announced that there would be a 3 bp or 30% increase in the stamp duty to help offset the government budget deficit.

*Poor Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 4Q20 earnings of HKD 2.9 bn, declining HKD 522 mn (15.6%) linked quarter. Results were challenged on many fronts, as evidenced by HKEX’ negative operating jaws during the period, whereby revenues declined HKD 210 mn (4.0%) whilst expenses jumped HKD 187 mn (13.2%)– pushing its C/I ratio higher by 480 bp to 31.4%; and*Stamp Dutied: Despite the poor showing during 4Q20, the real story for HKEX is the issue of the stamp duty which likely will impact earnings and market sentiment for the foreseeable future. Given the financial stress of the pandemic on the finances of the Hong Kong government,  on February 24, 2021 it was announced that there would be a 3 bp or 30% increase in the stamp duty to help offset the government budget deficit.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hitting The Wall

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India, Yellowstone Equity

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India

Quantitative Analysis

Since our Original on <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>, published on Sep 30 2020, this is our first quarterly update. Our models take into account latest reported fiscal year-end financials to provide updated results. We also discuss companies where there is notable change in our conviction level based on updated data.
At the webinar in October, there was also a request for conducting price movement analysis corresponding to forward dividend growth/cut for our back-test results. This analysis is now available. Our results show a high correlation between price movements and dividend growth/cut, suggesting that users of our models will benefit from guiding their investment decisions based on dividend growth/cut outlook.

Since our Original on Asia Dividend Forecasting | The Rise and Fall of Dividends Across Asian Companies, published on Sep 30 2020, this is our first quarterly update. Our models take into account latest reported fiscal year-end financials to provide updated results. We also discuss companies where there is notable change in our conviction level based on updated data.
At the webinar in October, there was also a request for conducting price movement analysis corresponding to forward dividend growth/cut for our back-test results. This analysis is now available. Our results show a high correlation between price movements and dividend growth/cut, suggesting that users of our models will benefit from guiding their investment decisions based on dividend growth/cut outlook.

Asia Dividend Forecasting | Quarterly Update 1.0

Australia

Netwealth Group Limited provides investment management services. The Company offers portfolio management, insurance, advisory, and investment solutions. Netwealth Group focuses on funds, deposits, accounts, cash, and securities. Netwealth Group serves customers in Australia.

HUB24 Limited is a financial services company.  The Company focuses on the delivery of a platform which supports investors.  The platform is a next-generation service with state-of-the-art portfolio management, transaction, and reporting solutions for licensees, financial advisers, accountants, stockbrokers, and institutions.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited provides investment management services. The Company offers operational support, insurance, business management, compliance, financial reporting, and accounting services. Pinnacle Investment Management Group conducts its business in Australia.

Perpetual Limited is a financial services company that has two primary activities, wealth management services and corporate trust services. The Company provides funds management, responsible entity services, trustee services, executor services, financial planning, investment administration, superannuation, custody and registry services.

IOOF Holdings Limited is a financial services company operating in Australia. The Company's services include personal superannuation, allocated pension services, employee superannuation retirement services and investment services.

Centuria Capital Group manages a diversified portfolio of investment funds and offers financial  services.  The Company manages funds of unlisted property investments; and offers investment  bonds, education plans, insurance and home loans.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd operates as an investment management company. The Company invests in global equities and listed infrastructure. Magellan Financial Group serves customers worldwide.

Equity Holdings Limited provides personal trust and financial services to customers in Australia.   Services include will and estate planning, trustee for settlements, financial guardian, investment and property management and fund investments. Other services provided by the company  include income tax services, short term share trading and mortgage loans and investments.

Platinum Asset Management Limited is a fund management company. The Company specializes in global equities.

Pacific Current Group Limited operates as an asset management firm. The Company offers investment management, strategic planning, compensation structuring, and trading services. Pacific Current Group serves institutional and individual clients worldwide.

Huatai Securities Co., Ltd. provides financial company. The Company provides securities brokerage services, research consulting services, investment banking and direct investment services, fixed-income services and asset management services.

Pershing Square Holdings Ltd is a closed-ended hedge fund vehicle incorporated in Guernsey.

Singapore Exchange Limited owns and operates Singapore's Securities and derivatives exchange and their related clearing houses.  The Company also provides ancillary securities processing and information technology services to participants in the financial sector.

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. operates as an investment bank. The Company offers mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, capital markets, strategic consulting, and financial advisory services. Houlihan Lokey serves customers worldwide.

Founder Securities Company Limited's major business includes securities brokerage, securities investment consulting, securities trading, financial advisory on securities investment and trading activities, proprietary trading, securities asset management, investment fund distribution, margin business, and provide intermediate agency services for Founder Futures Limited.

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. operates an electronic, multi-dealer to client platform for U.S. and European high-grade corporate and emerging markets bond trading.  The Company's technology delivers price discovery and trade execution services to institutional and broker-dealer clients.

SBI Holdings, Inc. manages venture capital fund which mainly invest in Internet related venture companies.  The Company also provides brokerage, investment banking, and financial services.

China Merchants Securities Co., Ltd. provides securities services. The Company offers securities brokerage, securities investment consulting, securities underwriting, and other services. China Merchants Securities also operates investment management.

China Merchants Securities Co Ltd (A) (600999 CH)

Evercore Partners Inc. is an investment banking boutique. The firm provides advisory services to multinational corporations on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings and other corporate transactions. Evercore also manages private equity funds for institutional investors.

Stifel Financial Corp. is a financial services holding company whose subsidiaries serve individual and institutional clients in the U.S. and Europe. The Company's broker-dealer affiliates provide wealth management, investment banking, independent research, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services.

ASX Ltd is a demutualized company which operates Australia's primary national stock exchange and equity derivatives market. The ASX operates markets for equities, derivatives, fixed-interest securities and capital-raising for unlisted companies using advanced computer systems for both trading and settlement.

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ASX Ltd (ASX AU)

Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE PM) - Overlooked and On the Up

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE PM) is probably the most overlooked listed stock exchange in Asia, with the catalyst of higher volumes driven by...

Angus Mackintosh

Singapore Exchange – Into Merlion’s Mouth

SINGAPORE EXCHANGE: SGX issued a Consultation Paper on SPACs seeking comments on policy proposals to allow SPAC IPOs. SPACs are not the panacea...

Thomas J. Monaco

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Building The HKEX Coffin

HONG KONG EXCHANGES & CLEARING: Mainland China is contemplating a new stock exchange to attract overseas firms. If mainland China is successful,...

Thomas J. Monaco

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hitting The Wall

HONG KONG EXCHANGES & CLEARING: HKEX reported a 15.6% QOQ decline in 4Q20 earnings, given the period's negative operating jaws. The story is the...

Thomas J. Monaco

Asia Dividend Forecasting | Quarterly Update 1.0

We incorporate latest reported financial data to provide updated results for our Asia Dividend Forecasting models. We also ran an insightful price...

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

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