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

*Overstated 3Q21 Result: DBS Group Holdings (DBS.SP) [DBS] reported 3Q21 results of SGD 1.7 bn, flat linked quarter. When one accounts for the unnecessary negative loss provision of SGD 70 mn (down 188.6%) while credit was weaker, DBS’ results would appear to be grossly overstated;*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. We feel that reserves should be shored up in the neighborhood of SGD 1.1 bn – amounting now to about a half quarter of operating results; 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.

*Overstated 3Q21 Result: DBS Group Holdings (DBS.SP) [DBS] reported 3Q21 results of SGD 1.7 bn, flat linked quarter. When one accounts for the unnecessary negative loss provision of SGD 70 mn (down 188.6%) while credit was weaker, DBS’ results would appear to be grossly overstated;*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. We feel that reserves should be shored up in the neighborhood of SGD 1.1 bn – amounting now to about a half quarter of operating results; 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 – Pushing The Envelope

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

There is a BIG trade coming up starting next Monday. If you have exposure in Indonesia, it is worth thinking about. <hr>Back in January 2021, Bloomberg reported that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> - the country's largest lender by assets - was "exploring a plan to raise at least US$1bn through a rights issue."Almost a year ago in October 2020 BBRI signed a conditional deal to merge their Shariah-compliant unit with those of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-mandiri-persero-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:441:1" rel="noopener">Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-negara-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8285:1" rel="noopener">Bank Negara Indonesia Persero (BBNI IJ)</a> and there had been talks (since Feb 2020?) with the government for BBRI to take over state-owned pawnshop lender PT Pegadaian and financing firm PT Permodalan Nasional Madani to provide affordable loans to SMEs. A deal for BBRI to take over those two firms was <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/bank-bri-ma-idUSL4N2KE2J5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decided</a> in early February, and the need for a rights issue was set, though this required parliamentary approval and BBRI needed shareholder approval for the rights issue - which it announced in June and <a href="https://www.thejakartapost.com/adv/2021/07/23/bri-egms-approves-rights-issue-of-28-billion-shares.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">received</a> in July - under the mechanism of Capital Increase by Granting Securities Subscription Rights First (PMHMETD). <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> discussed the bank's initiatives and aspirations in the micro lending space in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-rakyat-indonesia-bbri-ij-both-micro-and-digital" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:48613" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Both Micro and Digital</a> in February followed by a discussion of the rights issue itself in early July in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-rakyat-indonesia-bbri-ij-ultra-micro-and-digital-aspirations-in-place" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:54111" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Ultra-Micro and Digital Aspirations in Place</a>. Angus made a strong case for the bank in both insights and they are worth a read. The shares have basically had an overhang in place since early this year but in June when it became clear the rights issue would be Very Large, that overhang became more pronounced. <section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/228/528/original/Screenshot+2021-09-08+at+2.18.15+PM.png?1631081912" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="228528"></figure></section>The presentation made to get this past shareholders (never really in doubt as the govt owns 57%) announced the development of an "Ultra-Micro segment" to create an Ultra-Micro Ecosystem as the foundation for further growth, structured under Ultra Micro Holding owned by BRI, in the form of previous precedents of SOE development platforms such as Biofarma/<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/indofarma-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5319:1" rel="noopener">Indofarma (INAF IJ)</a> and Inalum's investment in Indonesian mining companies. <section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/228/527/original/Screenshot+2021-09-08+at+2.02.45+PM.png?1631080980" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="228527"></figure></section>The way this would be done is a rights offering to offer 230,128,553 rights for every 1,000,000,000 Existing Shares (roughly 0.23013 for 1), with the government contributing its ownership of Pegadaian and PNM in kind to fulfil its rights exercise consideration payment.That means the ~0.23 to 1 Rights Offering would be in effect for the other 43% of holders, which is a vast array of local and international institutions and local retail shareholders, with an Exercise Price of IDR 3400/share, and assuming 100% participation, that would garner IDR 41.15trln in proceeds, which, according to the roadshow <a href="https://www.ir-bri.com/misc/PS/2021/RI-Deal-Roadshow-Presentation-Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">presentation</a> released in early September, "will be used for working capital for BRI in order to develop an ultra-micro ecosystem as well as micro and small businesses."The shares traded on the regular market went ex-rights today. Rights will be distributed on 10 September, traded from 13-22 September and exercised in the same period, with the last day for Excess Rights Subscription the 24 September and allotment of Excess Rights on 27 September.There is considerable opportunity here. Some short-term, some longer-term. But it is considerable because there is a fair bit of potential overhang here.I consider the opportunity set below the fold.

There is a BIG trade coming up starting next Monday. If you have exposure in Indonesia, it is worth thinking about. Back in January 2021, Bloomberg reported that Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) - the country's largest lender by assets - was "exploring a plan to raise at least US$1bn through a rights issue."Almost a year ago in October 2020 BBRI signed a conditional deal to merge their Shariah-compliant unit with those of Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) and Bank Negara Indonesia Persero (BBNI IJ) and there had been talks (since Feb 2020?) with the government for BBRI to take over state-owned pawnshop lender PT Pegadaian and financing firm PT Permodalan Nasional Madani to provide affordable loans to SMEs. A deal for BBRI to take over those two firms was decided in early February, and the need for a rights issue was set, though this required parliamentary approval and BBRI needed shareholder approval for the rights issue - which it announced in June and received in July - under the mechanism of Capital Increase by Granting Securities Subscription Rights First (PMHMETD). Angus Mackintosh discussed the bank's initiatives and aspirations in the micro lending space in Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Both Micro and Digital in February followed by a discussion of the rights issue itself in early July in Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Ultra-Micro and Digital Aspirations in Place. Angus made a strong case for the bank in both insights and they are worth a read. The shares have basically had an overhang in place since early this year but in June when it became clear the rights issue would be Very Large, that overhang became more pronounced. The presentation made to get this past shareholders (never really in doubt as the govt owns 57%) announced the development of an "Ultra-Micro segment" to create an Ultra-Micro Ecosystem as the foundation for further growth, structured under Ultra Micro Holding owned by BRI, in the form of previous precedents of SOE development platforms such as Biofarma/Indofarma (INAF IJ) and Inalum's investment in Indonesian mining companies. The way this would be done is a rights offering to offer 230,128,553 rights for every 1,000,000,000 Existing Shares (roughly 0.23013 for 1), with the government contributing its ownership of Pegadaian and PNM in kind to fulfil its rights exercise consideration payment.That means the ~0.23 to 1 Rights Offering would be in effect for the other 43% of holders, which is a vast array of local and international institutions and local retail shareholders, with an Exercise Price of IDR 3400/share, and assuming 100% participation, that would garner IDR 41.15trln in proceeds, which, according to the roadshow presentation released in early September, "will be used for working capital for BRI in order to develop an ultra-micro ecosystem as well as micro and small businesses."The shares traded on the regular market went ex-rights today. Rights will be distributed on 10 September, traded from 13-22 September and exercised in the same period, with the last day for Excess Rights Subscription the 24 September and allotment of Excess Rights on 27 September.There is considerable opportunity here. Some short-term, some longer-term. But it is considerable because there is a fair bit of potential overhang here.I consider the opportunity set below the fold. 

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI)'s Mega Rights Issue - Plenty of Opportunity Short-Term and Long-Term

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

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

The upcoming rebalances for the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-hang-seng-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22899:1" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-seng-china-enterprises-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22900:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-seng-tech-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31367:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng Tech Index (HSTECH INDEX)</a> will be implemented at the close of trading on 3 September. The rebalance will use data from todays close to cap the stocks in the index at a maximum of 8% of the index weight.In this Insight, we show the flows after capping stocks using the close on 30 August. The final numbers will be marginally different based on todays closing prices.For the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-hang-seng-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22899:1" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX)</a> there are 3 inclusions - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xinyi-glass-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11940:1" rel="noopener">Xinyi Glass Holdings (868 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-ning-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6047:1" rel="noopener">Li Ning Co Ltd (2331 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-bank-co-ltd-3388a037-4214-4997-b45d-520518cfdb57" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10987:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants Bank H (3968 HK)</a> and 1 exclusion - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-of-communications-co-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:659:1" rel="noopener">Bank Of Communications Co H (3328 HK)</a>.For the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-seng-china-enterprises-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22900:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX)</a>, the inclusions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-logistics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31500:1" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (2618 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-ning-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6047:1" rel="noopener">Li Ning Co Ltd (2331 HK)</a> while the deletions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shimao-property-holdings-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8375:1" rel="noopener">Shimao Property Holdings (813 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/anhui-conch-cement-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:159:1" rel="noopener">Anhui Conch Cement (914 HK)</a>.For the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-seng-tech-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31367:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng Tech Index (HSTECH INDEX)</a> there is one set of changes with Trip.com (9961 HK) / <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/trip-com-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:180:1" rel="noopener">Trip.com (TCOM US)</a> replacing <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/koolearn-technology-holding" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27796:1" rel="noopener">Koolearn (1797 HK)</a>.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (9988 HK)</a>'s weight in all 3 indices is higher than 8% following the increase in the number of index shares at the July monthly rebalance. The stock will have the largest passive selling due to capping back to 8%.Capping and float changes will lead to passive buying on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/meituan-dianping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26970:1" rel="noopener">Meituan (3690 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/beijing-kuaishou-technology-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29725:1" rel="noopener">Kuaishou Technology (1024 HK)</a>, while there will be passive selling on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hsbc-holdings-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:516:1" rel="noopener">HSBC Holdings (5 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/aia-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14895:1" rel="noopener">AIA Group Ltd (1299 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-construction-bank-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:45:1" rel="noopener">China Construction Bank H (939 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xiaomi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24409:1" rel="noopener">Xiaomi Corp (1810 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a>.There will be selling on a lot of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-hang-seng-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22899:1" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX)</a> constituents due to funding flows.

The upcoming rebalances for the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX), Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX) and Hang Seng Tech Index (HSTECH INDEX) will be implemented at the close of trading on 3 September. The rebalance will use data from todays close to cap the stocks in the index at a maximum of 8% of the index weight.In this Insight, we show the flows after capping stocks using the close on 30 August. The final numbers will be marginally different based on todays closing prices.For the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) there are 3 inclusions - Xinyi Glass Holdings (868 HK), Li Ning Co Ltd (2331 HK) and China Merchants Bank H (3968 HK) and 1 exclusion - Bank Of Communications Co H (3328 HK).For the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX), the inclusions are JD Logistics (2618 HK) and Li Ning Co Ltd (2331 HK) while the deletions are Shimao Property Holdings (813 HK) and Anhui Conch Cement (914 HK).For the Hang Seng Tech Index (HSTECH INDEX) there is one set of changes with Trip.com (9961 HK) / Trip.com (TCOM US) replacing Koolearn (1797 HK).Alibaba Group (9988 HK)'s weight in all 3 indices is higher than 8% following the increase in the number of index shares at the July monthly rebalance. The stock will have the largest passive selling due to capping back to 8%.Capping and float changes will lead to passive buying on Tencent (700 HK), Meituan (3690 HK) and Kuaishou Technology (1024 HK), while there will be passive selling on HSBC Holdings (5 HK), AIA Group Ltd (1299 HK), China Construction Bank H (939 HK), Xiaomi Corp (1810 HK) and HKEX (388 HK).There will be selling on a lot of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) constituents due to funding flows.

HSI, HSCEI, HSTECH: September Rebalance Flows Post Capping

*Results Better Than Expected: Bank of East Asia (23.HK) [BEA] reported 1H21 results of HKD 2.3 bn – improving HKD 579 mn (34.3%) HOH despite a tax rate of 14.9% (negative 6.8% in 2H20). Results were supported by both a reduced loss provision and net interest income improvement; and  *Credit Turn, But Premature Provision Cut:  By our analysis, we find that credit deterioration appears to be decelerating as net new NPLs have increased 29.3% on an annualized basis versus over 60% at 2H20. Assuming that the decelerated breakdown in credit at BEA holds, we find that loss reserves remain wanting by HKD 4.5 bn or nearly one year of bottom-line results.

*Results Better Than Expected: Bank of East Asia (23.HK) [BEA] reported 1H21 results of HKD 2.3 bn – improving HKD 579 mn (34.3%) HOH despite a tax rate of 14.9% (negative 6.8% in 2H20). Results were supported by both a reduced loss provision and net interest income improvement; and  *Credit Turn, But Premature Provision Cut:  By our analysis, we find that credit deterioration appears to be decelerating as net new NPLs have increased 29.3% on an annualized basis versus over 60% at 2H20. Assuming that the decelerated breakdown in credit at BEA holds, we find that loss reserves remain wanting by HKD 4.5 bn or nearly one year of bottom-line results. 

Bank of East Asia – Premature Provision Cut

ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance C / Equity Bottom-Up

*CBIRC Now Taking On Online Insurers: The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission’s (CBIRC) roll out of the internet insurance revision plan “Notice on Carrying out Special Rectification of Internet Insurance Disorders” aims to scrutinize mainland China’s insurance technology platforms, ordering firms and agencies to end improper marketing and pricing practices, and improve privacy protections; and*Very Negative Implications For Insurers And Broader Market: This move by the CBIRC would intimate the near wipeout of the current generation of online insurers. This regulatory onslaught is stifling innovation and likely push business returns to well below the cost of equity. This heavy-handed approach is causing the outflow of foreign capital from mainland China to be sustainably heavy for an extended period of time.

*CBIRC Now Taking On Online Insurers: The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission’s (CBIRC) roll out of the internet insurance revision plan “Notice on Carrying out Special Rectification of Internet Insurance Disorders” aims to scrutinize mainland China’s insurance technology platforms, ordering firms and agencies to end improper marketing and pricing practices, and improve privacy protections; and*Very Negative Implications For Insurers And Broader Market: This move by the CBIRC would intimate the near wipeout of the current generation of online insurers. This regulatory onslaught is stifling innovation and likely push business returns to well below the cost of equity. This heavy-handed approach is causing the outflow of foreign capital from mainland China to be sustainably heavy for an extended period of time.

ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance – Tapped By The Ugly Stick

Hong Kong

Hang Seng Bank Limited and its subsidiaries provide banking and related financial services.

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Hang Seng Bank (11 HK)

DBS Group Holdings – Pushing The Envelope

DBS: DBS reported flat 3Q21 QOQ results. Accounting for the unnecessary negative loss provision of SGD 70 mn (down 188.6%) while credit was weaker,...

Thomas J. Monaco

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI)'s Mega Rights Issue - Plenty of Opportunity Short-Term and Long-Term

Bank Rakyat (BBRI) Indonesia's largest bank by assets, has a rights issue (stock went ex-rights today). The bank hopes to raise $2.8bn from its...

Travis Lundy

HSI, HSCEI, HSTECH: September Rebalance Flows Post Capping

There are some pretty large flows across the HSI, HSCEI and HSTECH at the September rebalance due to name/float/capping changes. Impact on some...

Brian Freitas

Bank of East Asia – Premature Provision Cut

BANK OF EAST ASIA: BEA reported 1H21 HOH results improvement of 34.3% supported by both a reduced loss provision and net interest income...

Thomas J. Monaco

ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance – Tapped By The Ugly Stick

ZHONGAN ONLINE INSURANCE: The CBIRC has rolled out the “Notice on Carrying out Special Rectification of Internet Insurance Disorders”, ordering...

Thomas J. Monaco

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