Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>The market cap review period for the June rebalance of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/stock-exchange-of-thailand-set-50-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31493:1" rel="noopener">Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX)</a> starts in a couple of weeks.</li>
<li>Using the last close, we see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jmt-network-services-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8581:1" rel="noopener">JMT Network Services (JMT)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-life-assurance-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16237:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Life Assurance (BLA)</a> as potential inclusions, replacing <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ratch-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15338:1" rel="noopener">Ratch Group PCL (RATCH TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kce-electronics-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1892:1" rel="noopener">KCE Electronics PCL (KCE TB)</a>.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ratch-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15338:1" rel="noopener">Ratch Group PCL</a> is the lowest ranked index constituent and needs to move 15% higher to avoid deletion. Passive trackers will need to sell nearly 4 days of ADV.</li>
</ul>


The market cap review period for the June rebalance of the Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX) starts in a couple of weeks.
Using the last close, we see JMT Network Services (JMT) and Bangkok Life Assurance (BLA) as potential inclusions, replacing Ratch Group PCL (RATCH TB) and KCE Electronics PCL (KCE TB).

Ratch Group PCL is the lowest ranked index constituent and needs to move 15% higher to avoid deletion. Passive trackers will need to sell nearly 4 days of ADV.


SET50 Index Rebalance Preview (June): Two Changes, Maybe Three

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

Equity Bottom-Up

*KTB Better Results On Improving Credit Deltas: Krung Thai Bank (KTB.TB)[KTB] reported 4Q20 net profit of THB 3.5 bn, increasing THB 396 mn (13.0%) linked quarter. Despite the THB 3.2 bn (25.5%) linked quarter reduction in loss provisions, operating results actually exhibited a decline of THB 262 mn (9.0%); and*Credit Should Continue To Drive Performance: KTB’s hard work controlling credit risk is paying off, as net new NPLs increased just THB 707 mn for an annualized rate of growth of 2.6% - the lowest of the Thai banks under coverage. Provided there are no major “unknown unknowns” in the moratorium portfolio from here, we would envision KTB to at least cutting its loss provision in half from here.

*KTB Better Results On Improving Credit Deltas: Krung Thai Bank (KTB.TB)[KTB] reported 4Q20 net profit of THB 3.5 bn, increasing THB 396 mn (13.0%) linked quarter. Despite the THB 3.2 bn (25.5%) linked quarter reduction in loss provisions, operating results actually exhibited a decline of THB 262 mn (9.0%); and*Credit Should Continue To Drive Performance: KTB’s hard work controlling credit risk is paying off, as net new NPLs increased just THB 707 mn for an annualized rate of growth of 2.6% - the lowest of the Thai banks under coverage. Provided there are no major “unknown unknowns” in the moratorium portfolio from here, we would envision KTB to at least cutting its loss provision in half from here. 

Krung Thai Bank – Lower Credit Tail Risk

*Low Quality Beat: Siam Commercial Bank (SCB.TB) [SCB] reported an unimpressive 4Q20 result of THB 4.6 bn – up just THB 54 mn (1.2%) linked quarter. Were it not for strong linked quarter fee and commission growth of THB 2.8 bn (33.3%) which was primarily driven by the recognition of performance-linked compensation on bancassurance and wealth management bonus, 4Q20 results would have been an unmitigated disaster at SCB; and 
*Poor Credit and Consistently Higher Provisions To Persist: Credit trends at SCB are in complete contravention to Kasikornbank (KBANK.TB), as provisions actually increased THB 1.3 bn (9.9%) on weakened credit.SCB’s annualized net new NPLs during the period remained at an accelerated level of 63.2%. By our calculation, we find that SCB’s loss reserves are light in the neighborhood of THB 28 bn or 18 months of bottom-line results.

*Low Quality Beat: Siam Commercial Bank (SCB.TB) [SCB] reported an unimpressive 4Q20 result of THB 4.6 bn – up just THB 54 mn (1.2%) linked quarter. Were it not for strong linked quarter fee and commission growth of THB 2.8 bn (33.3%) which was primarily driven by the recognition of performance-linked compensation on bancassurance and wealth management bonus, 4Q20 results would have been an unmitigated disaster at SCB; and 
*Poor Credit and Consistently Higher Provisions To Persist: Credit trends at SCB are in complete contravention to Kasikornbank (KBANK.TB), as provisions actually increased THB 1.3 bn (9.9%) on weakened credit.SCB’s annualized net new NPLs during the period remained at an accelerated level of 63.2%. By our calculation, we find that SCB’s loss reserves are light in the neighborhood of THB 28 bn or 18 months of bottom-line results.

Siam Commercial Bank – B'assurance Masks Troubles

*Big Quarter: Kasikornbank (KBANK.TB) (KBank) reported an impressive 4Q20 result of  THB 13.3 bn, increasing THB 6.7 bn (98.5%) linked quarter. Excluding gains, core operating results still improved THB 3.7 bn or 63.8% linked quarter to THB 9.5 bn. The sole driver to this stellar bottom-line performance at KBank was a massive THB 10.1 bn (93.8%) reduction in its loan loss provision – better than 3Q20 guidance;   *Credit Improvement, But KBank Hyper Aggressive On Lower Provisions: The real story for KBank is that its loans under moratorium declined from THB 71.0 bn (40% of outstandings) to THB 46.3 bn (19% of outstandings) on a linked quarter basis. With recoveries of THB 3.4 bn during 4Q20, we find that KBank’s net new NPLs during the period substantially decelerated from 22.3% at 2Q20 to 3.5%. By our calculation, we find that reserve cover remains short by close to THB 13.0 bn (about one quarter of bottom-line performance) – suggesting that the current provision reduction came a quarter too early; and*Negative Operating Jaws: KBank actually posted negative operating jaws during the quarter with linked quarter operating revenues declining THB 532 mn (1.5%) and operating expenses increasing THB 3.8 bn (23.2%) - the C/I ratio 11.5% higher to 57.3%.  Management intends to manage expenses better going forward, but no specifics have as yet been given.

*Big Quarter: Kasikornbank (KBANK.TB) (KBank) reported an impressive 4Q20 result of  THB 13.3 bn, increasing THB 6.7 bn (98.5%) linked quarter. Excluding gains, core operating results still improved THB 3.7 bn or 63.8% linked quarter to THB 9.5 bn. The sole driver to this stellar bottom-line performance at KBank was a massive THB 10.1 bn (93.8%) reduction in its loan loss provision – better than 3Q20 guidance;   *Credit Improvement, But KBank Hyper Aggressive On Lower Provisions: The real story for KBank is that its loans under moratorium declined from THB 71.0 bn (40% of outstandings) to THB 46.3 bn (19% of outstandings) on a linked quarter basis. With recoveries of THB 3.4 bn during 4Q20, we find that KBank’s net new NPLs during the period substantially decelerated from 22.3% at 2Q20 to 3.5%. By our calculation, we find that reserve cover remains short by close to THB 13.0 bn (about one quarter of bottom-line performance) – suggesting that the current provision reduction came a quarter too early; and*Negative Operating Jaws: KBank actually posted negative operating jaws during the quarter with linked quarter operating revenues declining THB 532 mn (1.5%) and operating expenses increasing THB 3.8 bn (23.2%) - the C/I ratio 11.5% higher to 57.3%.  Management intends to manage expenses better going forward, but no specifics have as yet been given. 

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

*Reversing Course Again: On April 3, 2020, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) - the European Union’s financial regulatory body which replaced the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors (CEIOPS) – in the context of the corona virus, released a statement urging insurers to “temporarily suspend all discretionary dividend distributions and share buybacks aimed at remunerating shareholders” in order to preserve capital. In an odd reversal of course, EIOPA has updated its commentary surrounding European insurance capital management; and  *Asia-Pacific Insurers Still At Risk: Asia-Pacific insurance counterparts previously acted in capital solidarity with their Western peer during COVID-19. Many Asia-Pacific insurers purchased USD-denominated assets in their desperate search for yield in this low/negative rate environment where the impact of credit default and ratings agency downgrades on their investment portfolios is likely to continue to be outsized and challenge capital their ratios. We are hopeful that the Asia-Pacific insurers - particularly in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea – don’t behave as desperately as their European counterparts have.

*Reversing Course Again: On April 3, 2020, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) - the European Union’s financial regulatory body which replaced the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors (CEIOPS) – in the context of the corona virus, released a statement urging insurers to “temporarily suspend all discretionary dividend distributions and share buybacks aimed at remunerating shareholders” in order to preserve capital. In an odd reversal of course, EIOPA has updated its commentary surrounding European insurance capital management; and  *Asia-Pacific Insurers Still At Risk: Asia-Pacific insurance counterparts previously acted in capital solidarity with their Western peer during COVID-19. Many Asia-Pacific insurers purchased USD-denominated assets in their desperate search for yield in this low/negative rate environment where the impact of credit default and ratings agency downgrades on their investment portfolios is likely to continue to be outsized and challenge capital their ratios. We are hopeful that the Asia-Pacific insurers - particularly in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea – don’t behave as desperately as their European counterparts have. 

Thailand

Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited provides non-life insurance including fire, hull, marine, automobile, property, as well as other miscellaneous insurance.

Allianz Ayudhya General Insurance Public Company Limited operates as a non-life insurance company. The Company offers claim for individual, business, and package insurance coverage. Allianz Ayudhya General Insurance serves customers in Thailand.

Muang Thai Insurance PCL is a non-life insurance company. The company main products include fire insurance, marine insurance, motor insurance, and miscellaneous insurance.

Nam Seng Insurance Public Company Limited provides non-life insurance including fire, marine, motor and miscellaneous insurance.

Thaivivat Insurance Public Company Limited provides non-life insurance including fire, marine, automobile, and miscellaneous insurance to its customers in Thailand.

Thai Reinsurance Public Company Limited provides reinsurance services for both life and non-life insurance with concentration on property, casualty, marine, engineering, automobile, and life insurance.

Navakij Insurance Public Company Limited provides a variety of non-life insurance including fire, marine, automobile and miscellaneous insurance.

Thaire Life Assurance PCL provides a range of reinsurance products and services. The Company offers reinsurance coverage for business, individual, group, mortgage, credit, life, personal accident, critical illness and health.

Indara Insurance Public Company Limited provides non-life insurance including fire, marine, automobile,  and miscellaneous insurance.

Charan Insurance Public Company Limited provides all classes of non-life insurance, including fire insurance, marine insurance, motor vehicle insurance and miscellaneous insurance.

LIFENET INSURANCE COMPANY provides a wide range of life insurance products and services. The company mainly provides the products and services through the internet. The company also provides asset management services.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad underwrites all classes of general insurance. Through its subsidiaries, the Company underwrites life insurance and investment linked business. Malaysia British Assurance also provides insurance broking and nominee services.

HCI Group, Inc. offers property/casualty insurance.  The Company offers homeowners', condominium owners', and tenants' insurance.

Korean Reinsurance Company is a reinsurer which underwrites life and non-life insurance.  The Company's products include life, fire, marine, auto, casualty, guarantee, pension, long-term, and foreign reinsurance.

AMERISAFE, Inc. provides workers' compensation insurance focused on small to mid-sized employers involved in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, logging, agriculture, oil and gas, maritime, and sawmills.

Tongyang Life Insurance offers life insurance services. The Company markets its products through individuals and groups.

Shinkong Insurance Co., Ltd. provides property and casualty insurance services. The Company mainly sells automobile, fire, and marine insurances.

Nuernberger Beteiligungs AG, through its subsidiaries, offers insurance and reinsurance products, including life insurance, disability insurance, accident, fire, theft, liability, health and automobile insurance policies.  The Company provides its services to customers in Germany and in the rest of Europe through associated companies.

Latitude Group Holdings Limited operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides personal, commercial, and business insurance products and services, as well as offers loans and credit card solutions. Latitude Group Holdings serves individuals, governments, municipalities, and businesses.

Lotte Non-Life Insurance Company Ltd. provides a variety of non-life insurance services, such as auto, fire, marine, long-term casualty and property, pension, and retirement insurance products. The Company also operates a foreign reinsurance business.

Bangkok Life Assurance PCL offers life insurance services.

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Bangkok Life Assurance (BLA TB)

SET50 Index Rebalance Preview (June): Two Changes, Maybe Three

JMT and BLA could replace RATCH and KCE in the SET50 index at the June rebalance. There could be an adhoc change if the DTAC/TRUE merger is...

Brian Freitas

Krung Thai Bank – Lower Credit Tail Risk

KRUNG THAI BANK: KTB reported a 4Q20 net profit increase of 13.0% linked quarter. KTB’s hard work controlling credit risk is paying off, as net new...

Thomas J. Monaco

Siam Commercial Bank – B'assurance Masks Troubles

SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK: SCB reported an unimpressive 4Q20 result – up just 1.2% linked quarter. Were it not for strong bancassurance growth, 4Q20...

Thomas J. Monaco

Kasikornbank – Less Is More

KASIKORNBANK: KBank reported an impressive 4Q20 result - driven by a 93.8% reduction in provisions, as moratorium loans declined from 40% to 19%....

Thomas J. Monaco

Asian Insurers – Mea, Mea EIOPA

ASIA INSURERS: On April 3, 2020, EIOPA temporarily suspended capital management activities," but just reversed course. Many Asia-Pacific insurers...

Thomas J. Monaco

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