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

*Another Unwarranted Provision Reduction: Federal Bank’s (FB.IN) results were likely managed, as it posted FY 4Q21 bottom-line result of INR 4.8 bn – improving INR 737 mn (18.2%) linked quarter. One factor, which was simply ridiculous, given the state of Federal Bank’s balance sheet, drove the improvement – aggressively cutting loss provisions again; and*Reserve Cover Is Shallow: Net new problem loans increased INR 8.4 bn or 78.4% on an annualized basis – dangerously accelerating over FY 3Q21. We remain discouraged that management hasn’t taken the opportunity to more aggressively address the risk sitting pon balance sheet. In fact, we find that reserve cover is increasingly light by close to INR 84.5 bn (versus being short INR 50.0 bn just a quarter ago) – nearly 20 years of core operating performance.

*Another Unwarranted Provision Reduction: Federal Bank’s (FB.IN) results were likely managed, as it posted FY 4Q21 bottom-line result of INR 4.8 bn – improving INR 737 mn (18.2%) linked quarter. One factor, which was simply ridiculous, given the state of Federal Bank’s balance sheet, drove the improvement – aggressively cutting loss provisions again; and*Reserve Cover Is Shallow: Net new problem loans increased INR 8.4 bn or 78.4% on an annualized basis – dangerously accelerating over FY 3Q21. We remain discouraged that management hasn’t taken the opportunity to more aggressively address the risk sitting pon balance sheet. In fact, we find that reserve cover is increasingly light by close to INR 84.5 bn (versus being short INR 50.0 bn just a quarter ago) – nearly 20 years of core operating performance.    

Federal Bank – A Five Year Hole Has Developed

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

Private Capital Markets

GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk PT / Private Capital Markets

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tokopedia-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24239:1" rel="noopener">Tokopedia</a> have finally announced that they will merge to form GoTo Group, in what will be Indonesia's largest-ever business deal to date. The new GoTo Group will also seek a dual listing both in Jakarta and the US but it is yet unclear what shape the listing will take at this stage. 
This will create an Indonesia-focused digital powerhouse with exposure to Ride-Hailing, Food Delivery, Digital Payments, Digital Finance, and e-commerce, making it a formidable player in Indonesia's booming digital economy.
The merged entity will present a challenge, not just to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sea-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8509:1" rel="noopener">Sea Ltd (SE US)</a> and its Shopee platform but more pertinently for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab,</a> which is in the process of seeking a listing in the US through the largest SPAC listing to date.
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One key area of overlap between <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tokopedia-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24239:1" rel="noopener">Tokopedia</a> is on digital payments, where GoPay and OVO compete head-on. Given that Tokopedia holds a 36.1% stake in OVO, it is unclear what comes next although it is likely Tokopedia will look to migrate its customers to GoPay and sell its stake in OVO.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gojek" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25976:1" rel="noopener">Gojek </a>has already stepped up its move into the digital banking space through the recent increase in its stake in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-jago-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31094:1" rel="noopener">Bank Jago (ARTO IJ)</a> to 22% but it also has strong backers for GoPay in the shape of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/facebook-inc-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:665:1" rel="noopener">Facebook Inc A (FB US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/paypal-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4747:1" rel="noopener">Paypal Holdings (PYPL US).</a>
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The combined entity will be a huge enabler for MSMEs from food providers to small businesses and as a result, will likely get significant support from the Indonesian government. 
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There will be significant synergies between the two companies in areas such as deliveries, payments, and financial services, with an ever-increasing use-case for GoPay.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tokopedia-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24239:1" rel="noopener"></a>The combined size of the two companies would be around US$18bn under the latest valuations but it is suggested that it could command a valuation of US$40bn with a US listing, although it is not yet sure what shape or form that listing will take although its looks likely it will be a dual listing by the end of this year.
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A straight IPO rather than a SPAC listing would be the most straightforward and the preferred option, even if it takes a bit longer to execute. The merged entity will be a more formidable adversary for other digital players and especially <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab (0967655D SP)</a> but also for Shopee (<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sea-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8509:1" rel="noopener">Sea Ltd (SE US))</a>,  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lazada-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26148:1" rel="noopener">Lazada Group (LAZADA SP)</a>, and Bukalapak.
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Gojek and Tokopedia have finally announced that they will merge to form GoTo Group, in what will be Indonesia's largest-ever business deal to date. The new GoTo Group will also seek a dual listing both in Jakarta and the US but it is yet unclear what shape the listing will take at this stage. 
This will create an Indonesia-focused digital powerhouse with exposure to Ride-Hailing, Food Delivery, Digital Payments, Digital Finance, and e-commerce, making it a formidable player in Indonesia's booming digital economy.
The merged entity will present a challenge, not just to Sea Ltd (SE US) and its Shopee platform but more pertinently for Grab, which is in the process of seeking a listing in the US through the largest SPAC listing to date.

One key area of overlap between Gojek and Tokopedia is on digital payments, where GoPay and OVO compete head-on. Given that Tokopedia holds a 36.1% stake in OVO, it is unclear what comes next although it is likely Tokopedia will look to migrate its customers to GoPay and sell its stake in OVO.
Gojek has already stepped up its move into the digital banking space through the recent increase in its stake in Bank Jago (ARTO IJ) to 22% but it also has strong backers for GoPay in the shape of Facebook Inc A (FB US) and Paypal Holdings (PYPL US).


The combined entity will be a huge enabler for MSMEs from food providers to small businesses and as a result, will likely get significant support from the Indonesian government. 


There will be significant synergies between the two companies in areas such as deliveries, payments, and financial services, with an ever-increasing use-case for GoPay.
The combined size of the two companies would be around US$18bn under the latest valuations but it is suggested that it could command a valuation of US$40bn with a US listing, although it is not yet sure what shape or form that listing will take although its looks likely it will be a dual listing by the end of this year.


A straight IPO rather than a SPAC listing would be the most straightforward and the preferred option, even if it takes a bit longer to execute. The merged entity will be a more formidable adversary for other digital players and especially Grab (0967655D SP) but also for Shopee (Sea Ltd (SE US)),  Lazada Group (LAZADA SP), and Bukalapak.


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.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

While most banks globally are seeing sharply lower credit costs in the March 2021 quarter, this is not the case in India. There are discreet risks in India related to the impact of poor air quality and the syndemic, but also with respect to pre-existing financial weakness and limited central bank relief.

While most banks globally are seeing sharply lower credit costs in the March 2021 quarter, this is not the case in India. There are discreet risks in India related to the impact of poor air quality and the syndemic, but also with respect to pre-existing financial weakness and limited central bank relief. 

*Good Number:  Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC.SP) [OCBC] reported 1Q21 net profit of SGD 1.5 bn, a SGD 271 mn (24.0%) increase on a linked quarter basis. OCBC’s bottom-line improvement was primarily attributable to two factors: SGD 125 mn (43.7%) reduction in the loss provision, which may actually be justified given the deceleration in net new NPL growth; and a SGD 274 mn (139.8%) increase in attributable Great Eastern (GE.SP) earnings, much of which came from unrepeatable non-operating gains;*Credit Improving In Reality: We remain optimistic. By our calculation, we find that net new NPL growth while reversing course from being a negative SGD 78 mn or 8.0% on an annualized basis in 4Q20 only increased SGD 40 mn or 3.6% on an annualized basis for 1Q21 – which remains incredibly low. We continue to find that reserves are now where they need to be, which is a far cry from where currently DBS Group Holdings (DBS.SP) is; and*Insurance One-Off: Great Eastern reported bottom-line results of SGD 438 mn, an increase over the SGD 341m reported at 4Q20 due to SGD 241 mn of non-recurring gains. The NBEV margin was stronger at 47.5% versus 45.3% in 4Q20.

*Good Number:  Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC.SP) [OCBC] reported 1Q21 net profit of SGD 1.5 bn, a SGD 271 mn (24.0%) increase on a linked quarter basis. OCBC’s bottom-line improvement was primarily attributable to two factors: SGD 125 mn (43.7%) reduction in the loss provision, which may actually be justified given the deceleration in net new NPL growth; and a SGD 274 mn (139.8%) increase in attributable Great Eastern (GE.SP) earnings, much of which came from unrepeatable non-operating gains;*Credit Improving In Reality: We remain optimistic. By our calculation, we find that net new NPL growth while reversing course from being a negative SGD 78 mn or 8.0% on an annualized basis in 4Q20 only increased SGD 40 mn or 3.6% on an annualized basis for 1Q21 – which remains incredibly low. We continue to find that reserves are now where they need to be, which is a far cry from where currently DBS Group Holdings (DBS.SP) is; and*Insurance One-Off: Great Eastern reported bottom-line results of SGD 438 mn, an increase over the SGD 341m reported at 4Q20 due to SGD 241 mn of non-recurring gains. The NBEV margin was stronger at 47.5% versus 45.3% in 4Q20. 

Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. – The Credit Turn Is Official

*Unbelievable: DBS Group Holdings (DBS.SP) [DBS] reported 1Q21 results of SGD 2.0 bn, increasing SGD 997 mn (98.5%) on a linked quarter basis. Results were driven primarily by two factors: a) loss provisions declined SGD 567 mn (98.3%) which is bizarre in light of its troubled Indian acquisition, Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB), risk is not controlled; and b) fee revenue growth of SGD 604 mn (52.8%) which includes an undisclosed level of non-operating gains;*Watch Your Credit: We struggle continue to believe that DBS’ due diligence had actually caught all of LVB’s risk (see discussion below), and remain unconvinced that the moratorium exits are anything more than additional reliance on government schemes and relief programs. DBS has disclosed absolutely nothing about Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank’s (SRCB) fundamentals. Net new NPLs continue to increase – up SGD 85 mn or increasing 5.6% on an annualized basis. Reserves should be shored up in the neighborhood of SGD 2.5bn to reflect this risk; and**Deal Distractions Mount:  While SRCB dos not appear to be riddled with problems the way LVB is, no doubt there will be issues to contend with.  DBS apparently isn’t done with its shopping spree, being in the running for parts of Citigroup's (C.US) consumer business in Asia. Frankly, DBS needs to focus on improving its own legacy issues before it starts both taking on those of other financial institutions.

*Unbelievable: DBS Group Holdings (DBS.SP) [DBS] reported 1Q21 results of SGD 2.0 bn, increasing SGD 997 mn (98.5%) on a linked quarter basis. Results were driven primarily by two factors: a) loss provisions declined SGD 567 mn (98.3%) which is bizarre in light of its troubled Indian acquisition, Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB), risk is not controlled; and b) fee revenue growth of SGD 604 mn (52.8%) which includes an undisclosed level of non-operating gains;*Watch Your Credit: We struggle continue to believe that DBS’ due diligence had actually caught all of LVB’s risk (see discussion below), and remain unconvinced that the moratorium exits are anything more than additional reliance on government schemes and relief programs. DBS has disclosed absolutely nothing about Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank’s (SRCB) fundamentals. Net new NPLs continue to increase – up SGD 85 mn or increasing 5.6% on an annualized basis. Reserves should be shored up in the neighborhood of SGD 2.5bn to reflect this risk; and**Deal Distractions Mount:  While SRCB dos not appear to be riddled with problems the way LVB is, no doubt there will be issues to contend with.  DBS apparently isn’t done with its shopping spree, being in the running for parts of Citigroup's (C.US) consumer business in Asia. Frankly, DBS needs to focus on improving its own legacy issues before it starts both taking on those of other financial institutions.

DBS Group Holdings – Not Sure Whether To Laugh Or Cry

Singapore

DBS Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries provide a variety of financial services.  The Company offers services including mortgage financing, lease and hire purchase financing, nominee and trustee, funds management, corporate advisory and brokerage .  DBS Group also acts as the primary dealer in Singapore government securities.

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DBS (DBS SP)

Federal Bank – A Five Year Hole Has Developed

FEDERAL BANK: FB's FY 4Q21 bottom-line QOQ result improved 18.2% due to an unwarranted provision cut. Net new NPLs accelerated 78.4% QOQ, while ...

Thomas J. Monaco

GoTo - Enter the Green Dragon

The confirmation of the merger between Gojek and Tokopedia creates an Indonesian digital powerhouse under GoTo Group, which will seek a dual...

Angus Mackintosh

India – Not Time

There are discreet risks in India related to the impact of poor air quality and the syndemic, but also with respect to pre-existing financial...

Daniel Tabbush

Oversea Chinese Banking Corp. – The Credit Turn Is Official

OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING: OCBC reported 1Q21 QOQ net profit growth of 24.0% driven by a provision reduction and one-time gain at Great Eastern. We...

Thomas J. Monaco

DBS Group Holdings – Not Sure Whether To Laugh Or Cry

DBS GROUP HOLDINGS: DBS reported a 98.5% QOQ 1Q21 results increase due to lower provision and non-operating gains. Given all of these...

Thomas J. Monaco

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