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

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India

Quantitative Analysis

<p>Since our Original on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/asia-buyback-forecasting-which-companies-are-likely-to-raise-cut-buybacks" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:47196" rel="noopener">Asia Buyback Forecasting | Which Companies Are Likely to Raise/Cut Buybacks?</a>, published on Jan 31 2021, this is our first quarterly update. Below we provide updated results from our models based on latest reported fiscal year-end financials. We also discuss companies where there is notable change in our conviction level based on updated data.</p>
<p>At the webinar in March, there was also a request for conducting price movement analysis corresponding to our buyback raise/cut outlook for our back-test results. This analysis is now available. Our results show a decent outperformance/underperformance corresponding to buyback raise/cut prediction, suggesting that users of our models will benefit from guiding their investment decisions based on our buyback raise/cut outlook.</p>

Since our Original on Asia Buyback Forecasting | Which Companies Are Likely to Raise/Cut Buybacks?, published on Jan 31 2021, this is our first quarterly update. Below we provide updated results from our models based on latest reported fiscal year-end financials. We also discuss companies where there is notable change in our conviction level based on updated data.
At the webinar in March, there was also a request for conducting price movement analysis corresponding to our buyback raise/cut outlook for our back-test results. This analysis is now available. Our results show a decent outperformance/underperformance corresponding to buyback raise/cut prediction, suggesting that users of our models will benefit from guiding their investment decisions based on our buyback raise/cut outlook.

Asia Buyback Forecasting | Quarterly Update 1.0

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

<p><em><strong>*</strong></em><em><strong>Improved Operating Result:</strong></em> Bank Central Asia (BBCA.IJ) [BCA] reported 1Q21 results of IDR 7.0 tn do not do BCA justice, as core operating results grew IDR 1.5 tn (40.9%) over the same period. BCA’s positive operating results were highlighted by two factors: a) interest income growth of IDR 385 mn (2.8%) due largely to a bit of leverage in the corporate securities portfolio, and b) a tax rate reduction; and</p><p><em><strong>*Credit Challenge</strong></em><em><strong>s Persist</strong></em><em><strong>, But </strong></em><em><strong>Credit Break Decelerates: </strong></em>By our calculation, we find that 1Q20 net new NPLs amounted to IDR 742 bn for annualized rate of increase of 28.7% - which is quite favorable compared to 4Q20 results of IDR 1.3 tn and 46.5%. Given the surprise deceleration in net new NPL formation, we calculate that loss reserves are likely right where they need to be given the uptick in special mention and lack of full clarity with the restructuring portfolio.</p>

*Improved Operating Result: Bank Central Asia (BBCA.IJ) [BCA] reported 1Q21 results of IDR 7.0 tn do not do BCA justice, as core operating results grew IDR 1.5 tn (40.9%) over the same period. BCA’s positive operating results were highlighted by two factors: a) interest income growth of IDR 385 mn (2.8%) due largely to a bit of leverage in the corporate securities portfolio, and b) a tax rate reduction; and*Credit Challenges Persist, But Credit Break Decelerates: By our calculation, we find that 1Q20 net new NPLs amounted to IDR 742 bn for annualized rate of increase of 28.7% - which is quite favorable compared to 4Q20 results of IDR 1.3 tn and 46.5%. Given the surprise deceleration in net new NPL formation, we calculate that loss reserves are likely right where they need to be given the uptick in special mention and lack of full clarity with the restructuring portfolio.

Bank Central Asia – Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas, CrossASEAN Research

Henry Soediarko

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas

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

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/thai-beverage-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3656:1" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/thai-beverage-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3656:1" rel="noopener">Thai Beverage (THBEV SP)</a> has not been very fortunate in the past few weeks; rising cases in Bangkok that caused the management to call off the BeerCo IPO, dampened investors' excitement on the value unlocking event. Its high debt also is another factor that its share price does not get re-rated compared to its peers. In ASEAN, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/thai-beverage-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3656:1" rel="noopener">Thai Beverage (THBEV SP)</a> is trading at a slight discount to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/saigon-beer-alcohol-beverage" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23645:1" rel="noopener">Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage (SAB VN)</a> although the latter's profitability is much higher with little debt. </p>
<div class="content-highlight">
<p><strong>For Asian beverage investors, there are other stocks with similar profitability profiles with lower debt and much bigger markets (North Asia) such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tsingtao-brewery-co-ltd-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1296:1" rel="noopener">Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd H (168 HK)</a> , <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-resources-beer-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:399:1" rel="noopener">China Resources Beer Holdings (291 HK)</a> that receive more attention from investors.</strong></p>
<p><strong> For ASEAN beverage investors, Thai Beverage is one of the bigger and more prominent beverage companies although it is not the most profitable and the debt burden has caused some investors to shun it but it should still be a valid choice especially when it is trading at a discount such as currently. </strong></p>
</div>

Thai Beverage (THBEV SP) has not been very fortunate in the past few weeks; rising cases in Bangkok that caused the management to call off the BeerCo IPO, dampened investors' excitement on the value unlocking event. Its high debt also is another factor that its share price does not get re-rated compared to its peers. In ASEAN, Thai Beverage (THBEV SP) is trading at a slight discount to Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage (SAB VN) although the latter's profitability is much higher with little debt. 

For Asian beverage investors, there are other stocks with similar profitability profiles with lower debt and much bigger markets (North Asia) such as Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd H (168 HK) , China Resources Beer Holdings (291 HK) that receive more attention from investors.
 For ASEAN beverage investors, Thai Beverage is one of the bigger and more prominent beverage companies although it is not the most profitable and the debt burden has caused some investors to shun it but it should still be a valid choice especially when it is trading at a discount such as currently. 


Thai Beverage (Thbev): Delayed Beer IPO and Undervaluation

<p><em><strong>*Lower Tax Rate Offset By Massive Provisions: </strong></em>CIMB Group (CIMB.MK) [CIMB] reported 4Q20 results of MYR 195.8 mn, increasing MYR 16.7 mn (9.3%) linked quarter. During the period, we noted a  massive reduction in its tax rate from 60.6% in 3Q20 to 18.0% which was additive to bottom-line performance by MYR 70.8 mn. However, this was offset by an enormous increase in loss provisions reflecting a breakdown in credit quality; and  </p><p> <em><strong>*Credit Risk Now Accelerating: </strong></em>With NCOs of MYR 1.9 bn (accelerating from the MYR 1.2 bn posted in 3Q20), we find that net new NPLs increased MYR 2.6 bn or a whopping 83.5% on an annualized basis. We continue to believe that reserve cover is too light by MYR 12.0 bn (versus MYR 1.5 bn in 3Q20) – which nearly six years of profit before tax or 21.1% of 4Q20 capital. </p>

*Lower Tax Rate Offset By Massive Provisions: CIMB Group (CIMB.MK) [CIMB] reported 4Q20 results of MYR 195.8 mn, increasing MYR 16.7 mn (9.3%) linked quarter. During the period, we noted a  massive reduction in its tax rate from 60.6% in 3Q20 to 18.0% which was additive to bottom-line performance by MYR 70.8 mn. However, this was offset by an enormous increase in loss provisions reflecting a breakdown in credit quality; and   *Credit Risk Now Accelerating: With NCOs of MYR 1.9 bn (accelerating from the MYR 1.2 bn posted in 3Q20), we find that net new NPLs increased MYR 2.6 bn or a whopping 83.5% on an annualized basis. We continue to believe that reserve cover is too light by MYR 12.0 bn (versus MYR 1.5 bn in 3Q20) – which nearly six years of profit before tax or 21.1% of 4Q20 capital. 

CIMB Group – Heading Deeper Into the Woods

<div>
<p>In this Smartkarma Original, we bring to you a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut buyback. Applying this approach to a universe of 920+ companies listed across Asia helped us identify 40+ and 50+ companies that have a high likelihood of raising and cutting buybacks, respectively, over the next five years.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="content-highlight">
<p><strong>What's Original?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>We have two separate models, one for forecasting Buyback Raise and the other for Buyback Cut.</li>
<li>Our back test results are very encouraging with &gt;85% hit rate for our Buyback Raise model and &gt;94% hit rate for our Buyback Cut model.</li>
<li>For our Buyback Raise model, we differentiate from other quantitative buyback models by incorporating competing uses of cash like inorganic acquisitions through “Goodwill as % of Total Assets” parameter. Based on our analysis, we have also determined that, contrary to usual perception, any dividend payout is not a competing use of cash vs buyback but a healthy sign of capital return discipline and have incorporated it accordingly in our model. We also use long-term ROE vs growth trends to filter companies where the cash levels maybe low but the capability to do buyback with time can grow significantly. At the same time, we ensure to weed off very high growth companies that may have high re-investment needs through our carefully selected threshold for the "Long-term Revenue CAGR" parameter. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>Insight Flow</h3>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Live Dashboard</li>
<li> Methodology
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Buyback Raise Model</li>
<li>Buyback Cut Model</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Universe</li>
<li>Back Test Results
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Buyback Raise Model</li>
<li>Buyback Cut Model</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Model Results
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Summary Statistics</li>
<li>Companies with High Probability of Buyback Raise</li>
<li>Companies with High Probability of Buyback Cut</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Buyback Timing</li>
<li>Model Risks &amp; Limitations</li>
<li>Conclusion</li>
</ul>
</div>


In this Smartkarma Original, we bring to you a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut buyback. Applying this approach to a universe of 920+ companies listed across Asia helped us identify 40+ and 50+ companies that have a high likelihood of raising and cutting buybacks, respectively, over the next five years.




What's Original?

We have two separate models, one for forecasting Buyback Raise and the other for Buyback Cut.
Our back test results are very encouraging with &gt;85% hit rate for our Buyback Raise model and &gt;94% hit rate for our Buyback Cut model.
For our Buyback Raise model, we differentiate from other quantitative buyback models by incorporating competing uses of cash like inorganic acquisitions through “Goodwill as % of Total Assets” parameter. Based on our analysis, we have also determined that, contrary to usual perception, any dividend payout is not a competing use of cash vs buyback but a healthy sign of capital return discipline and have incorporated it accordingly in our model. We also use long-term ROE vs growth trends to filter companies where the cash levels maybe low but the capability to do buyback with time can grow significantly. At the same time, we ensure to weed off very high growth companies that may have high re-investment needs through our carefully selected threshold for the "Long-term Revenue CAGR" parameter. 





Insight Flow



Live Dashboard
 Methodology

Buyback Raise Model
Buyback Cut Model


Universe
Back Test Results

Buyback Raise Model
Buyback Cut Model


Model Results

Summary Statistics
Companies with High Probability of Buyback Raise
Companies with High Probability of Buyback Cut


Buyback Timing
Model Risks &amp; Limitations
Conclusion



Asia Buyback Forecasting | Which Companies Are Likely to Raise/Cut Buybacks?

Malaysia

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad provides commercial banking and related financial services. The Company and its subsidiaries, operate as a regional universal bank offering a full range of financial products and services, covering corporate and investment banking, consumer banking, treasury, insurance and asset management.

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CIMB Group Holdings (CIMB MK)

Asia Buyback Forecasting | Quarterly Update 1.0

This is our first quarterly update since our Original on Buyback Forecasting. We provide updated results based on latest year-end financials.

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Bank Central Asia – Light At The End Of The Tunnel

BANK CENTRAL ASIA: BCA's core operating results grew 40.9% QOQ in 1Q21, and were highlighted by interest income growth and lower taxes. Another...

Thomas J. Monaco

Thai Beverage (Thbev): Delayed Beer IPO and Undervaluation

Thai Bev has not been very fortunate in the past few weeks; rising cases in Bangkok that caused the management to call off the BeerCo IPO, dampened...

Henry Soediarko

CIMB Group – Heading Deeper Into the Woods

CIMB GROUP: CIMB reported 4Q20 results improved 9.3% linked quarter, and highlighted by a massive reduction in its tax rate and an enormous...

Thomas J. Monaco

Asia Buyback Forecasting | Which Companies Are Likely to Raise/Cut Buybacks?

A predictive quantitative model for Asian companies to help determine which companies are likely to raise/cut buybacks in future.

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

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