Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hsbc-holdings-plc-a723bd63-0890-486f-aaa0-3bb9ad2b95ce" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21976:1" rel="noopener">HSBC Holdings' (HSBA LN)</a> A2 Senior Unsecured and A3 Tier 2 ratings are on review for downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service. The Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds are NOT on review for downgrade. We see this as more a case of Moody’s adjusting its ratings to the market, rather than a market making event. However, negative headline risk could nudge AT1 and Tier 2 bond prices lower. We would buy these dips.We believe the agency is mistaken to pre-judge the recent strategic update. Even if HSBC’s profitability suffers, short-term, the firm holds excess capital which it intends to invest in its future, rather than simply return to shareholders. Furthermore, Moody’s is clearly comfortable with HSBC’s lower capital target or it would also put the AT1 rating on review. Placing the Tier 2 rating on review for downgrade while stating that HSBC has a sufficient capital buffer to support its AT1 rating is a non-sequitur. Moody’s Tier 2 ratings are mechanically, rather than fundamentally, driven.Once a credit is placed on review for a downgrade, the likelihood of it occurring is greater than 50%. Irrespective, we are not convinced that this deserves to be reflected in the value of HSBC’s Tier 2 notes as this should be driven by the buffer of capital over the Point of Non-Viability. This buffer is enormous at HSBC. In fact, it is higher than that of the Singapore-based banks alongside of which HSBC’s Tier 2 bonds trade. Moody’s review for downgrade may create a buying opportunity in the Tier 2 space.

HSBC Holdings' (HSBA LN) A2 Senior Unsecured and A3 Tier 2 ratings are on review for downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service. The Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds are NOT on review for downgrade. We see this as more a case of Moody’s adjusting its ratings to the market, rather than a market making event. However, negative headline risk could nudge AT1 and Tier 2 bond prices lower. We would buy these dips.We believe the agency is mistaken to pre-judge the recent strategic update. Even if HSBC’s profitability suffers, short-term, the firm holds excess capital which it intends to invest in its future, rather than simply return to shareholders. Furthermore, Moody’s is clearly comfortable with HSBC’s lower capital target or it would also put the AT1 rating on review. Placing the Tier 2 rating on review for downgrade while stating that HSBC has a sufficient capital buffer to support its AT1 rating is a non-sequitur. Moody’s Tier 2 ratings are mechanically, rather than fundamentally, driven.Once a credit is placed on review for a downgrade, the likelihood of it occurring is greater than 50%. Irrespective, we are not convinced that this deserves to be reflected in the value of HSBC’s Tier 2 notes as this should be driven by the buffer of capital over the Point of Non-Viability. This buffer is enormous at HSBC. In fact, it is higher than that of the Singapore-based banks alongside of which HSBC’s Tier 2 bonds trade. Moody’s review for downgrade may create a buying opportunity in the Tier 2 space.

HSBC: On Review for Downgrade, Buy the Dips

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

*Greensill Bankruptcy: Greensill Capital (Greensill) has filed for insolvency in the United Kingdom today after Apollo Global Management’s (APO.US) [Apollo] walked away from this deal. Lawyers for Greensill cited Greensill’s inability to repay a USD 140 mn bridge loan provided by Credit Suisse Group (CSGN.VX) [Credit Suisse]. In addition, Greensill allegedly has USD 5 bn in risk outstanding to  GFG Alliance Group (GFG) – a company owned by Sanjeev Gupta, who appears to be at the center of this debacle; and*Further Tail Risk: Credit Suisse , GAM Holdings (GAM.VX), Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.JP), SoftBank Group (9984.JP) amongst others are likely to see additional weakness given the growing uncertainties with Greemsill and GFG Alliance. In particular, the allegations of fraud by Bafin and the British Business Bank removing UK government guarantee on COVID-19 lending highlight the increased likelihood of substantially higher losses and other tail risk. With the UK and European Central Bank (ECB) asking their institutions for their Greensill and GFG exposures, no doubt the hit parade will continue.

*Greensill Bankruptcy: Greensill Capital (Greensill) has filed for insolvency in the United Kingdom today after Apollo Global Management’s (APO.US) [Apollo] walked away from this deal. Lawyers for Greensill cited Greensill’s inability to repay a USD 140 mn bridge loan provided by Credit Suisse Group (CSGN.VX) [Credit Suisse]. In addition, Greensill allegedly has USD 5 bn in risk outstanding to  GFG Alliance Group (GFG) – a company owned by Sanjeev Gupta, who appears to be at the center of this debacle; and*Further Tail Risk: Credit Suisse , GAM Holdings (GAM.VX), Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.JP), SoftBank Group (9984.JP) amongst others are likely to see additional weakness given the growing uncertainties with Greemsill and GFG Alliance. In particular, the allegations of fraud by Bafin and the British Business Bank removing UK government guarantee on COVID-19 lending highlight the increased likelihood of substantially higher losses and other tail risk. With the UK and European Central Bank (ECB) asking their institutions for their Greensill and GFG exposures, no doubt the hit parade will continue.

*Greensill Blow Up: Greensill Capital (Greensill) is close to bankruptcy. Greensill’s troubles began when its credit insurer, Bond and Credit Company (BCC), a unit of Tokio Marine (8766.JP), decided to not renew Greensill’s insurance likely given the failures of NMC Health, Agritrade, and BrightHouse that borrowed through the Greensill-backed Credit Suisse Group (CSGN.VX) [Credit Suisse] funds; and *Further Tail Risk: Credit Suisse , GAM Holdings (GAM.VX), Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.JP), SoftBank Group (9984.JP) amongst others are likely to see additional weakness given the growing uncertainties with Greemsill and GFG Alliance. In particular, the allegations of fraud by Bafin and the British Business Bank removing UK government guarantee on COVID-19 lending highlight the increased likelihood of substantially higher losses and other tail risk.

*Greensill Blow Up: Greensill Capital (Greensill) is close to bankruptcy. Greensill’s troubles began when its credit insurer, Bond and Credit Company (BCC), a unit of Tokio Marine (8766.JP), decided to not renew Greensill’s insurance likely given the failures of NMC Health, Agritrade, and BrightHouse that borrowed through the Greensill-backed Credit Suisse Group (CSGN.VX) [Credit Suisse] funds; and *Further Tail Risk: Credit Suisse , GAM Holdings (GAM.VX), Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.JP), SoftBank Group (9984.JP) amongst others are likely to see additional weakness given the growing uncertainties with Greemsill and GFG Alliance. In particular, the allegations of fraud by Bafin and the British Business Bank removing UK government guarantee on COVID-19 lending highlight the increased likelihood of substantially higher losses and other tail risk. 

Credit Suisse – Another European Daisy Chain

Stronger than expected US employment data combined with uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s next steps to drive broader credit markets wider by weekend, although financials remained better bid. Taperless tantrums may be repeated over the near term but financials may be less impacted.While US CCC-rated bonds and Asia High Yield sold-off, almost all European contingent capital and Asia High Yield bonds tightened in credit spread terms as investors remained anchored to banks as an economic recovery play. Investors grabbed longer duration Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds as the week progressed, on economic strength expectations, while lower duration Senior Unsecured bonds outperformed on rising interest rate expectations. Friday’s non-farm report generated concerns on European growth in a rising rate environment. Queue central bank assurances that they will respond to rising rates over the next few weeks.Despite higher spreads available in more moderate duration AT1 notes, Europe's outperformers were almost exclusively long duration bonds. This outperformance is a very bullish signal. However, we are not convinced that this should apply to each of these institutions.  Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/credit-suisse-greensill-sows-reputation-risks-underweight-cs-bonds" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:48839" rel="noopener">Credit Suisse: Greensill Sows Reputation Risks, Underweight CS Bonds</a> for further details.Financials remain the sweet spot in Asia credit. Levered to the economy and rising rates, this is the place to be at this point in the market cycle.  Performance attributes varied amongst the various bank credit classes in Asia. Risk-on sentiment drove higher risk AT1 and less subordinated Tier 2 bonds tighter. Meanwhile duration concerns drove investors to target higher spreads per unit of duration in BBB-rated and High Yield Senior Unsecured notes. Taken together, this performance outcome is likely evidence of the melt-up in spreads that we anticipated several weeks ago. Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-credit-strategy-melt-up-before-meltdown-where-to-position" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:48133" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Strategy: Melt-Up Before Meltdown, Where to Position</a> for more details.Admittedly, however, we are surprised by the credit strength of Asia-headquartered financials during the global rates rout. We attribute this to two items. First, China is further along the Covid-19 curve in recovery and will clearly benefit as the rest of the world catches-up. Second, financials are a leverage play on the global recovery. Taken together, Asia financials overall are well placed to continue outperforming other markets over the near term.Market Outlook: The Fed will likely Twist before it Tapers, but the timing of both remain uncertain as real long term interest rates remain negative. In the interim, global treasury markets may remain unsettled. The US economy may run very hot before we see a change in Fed policy regarding short-term interest rates and the US dollar should remain stronger than analysts forecasted at year-end. Broadly, this is not Emerging Market IEM) friendly; however, a strong US economic rebound should benefit EM and European financials. Short duration in investment grade financials combined with high credit spreads in High Yield financials and more subordinated debt may remain the way forward.

Stronger than expected US employment data combined with uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s next steps to drive broader credit markets wider by weekend, although financials remained better bid. Taperless tantrums may be repeated over the near term but financials may be less impacted.While US CCC-rated bonds and Asia High Yield sold-off, almost all European contingent capital and Asia High Yield bonds tightened in credit spread terms as investors remained anchored to banks as an economic recovery play. Investors grabbed longer duration Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds as the week progressed, on economic strength expectations, while lower duration Senior Unsecured bonds outperformed on rising interest rate expectations. Friday’s non-farm report generated concerns on European growth in a rising rate environment. Queue central bank assurances that they will respond to rising rates over the next few weeks.Despite higher spreads available in more moderate duration AT1 notes, Europe's outperformers were almost exclusively long duration bonds. This outperformance is a very bullish signal. However, we are not convinced that this should apply to each of these institutions.  Please see Credit Suisse: Greensill Sows Reputation Risks, Underweight CS Bonds for further details.Financials remain the sweet spot in Asia credit. Levered to the economy and rising rates, this is the place to be at this point in the market cycle.  Performance attributes varied amongst the various bank credit classes in Asia. Risk-on sentiment drove higher risk AT1 and less subordinated Tier 2 bonds tighter. Meanwhile duration concerns drove investors to target higher spreads per unit of duration in BBB-rated and High Yield Senior Unsecured notes. Taken together, this performance outcome is likely evidence of the melt-up in spreads that we anticipated several weeks ago. Please see Bank Credit Strategy: Melt-Up Before Meltdown, Where to Position for more details.Admittedly, however, we are surprised by the credit strength of Asia-headquartered financials during the global rates rout. We attribute this to two items. First, China is further along the Covid-19 curve in recovery and will clearly benefit as the rest of the world catches-up. Second, financials are a leverage play on the global recovery. Taken together, Asia financials overall are well placed to continue outperforming other markets over the near term.Market Outlook: The Fed will likely Twist before it Tapers, but the timing of both remain uncertain as real long term interest rates remain negative. In the interim, global treasury markets may remain unsettled. The US economy may run very hot before we see a change in Fed policy regarding short-term interest rates and the US dollar should remain stronger than analysts forecasted at year-end. Broadly, this is not Emerging Market IEM) friendly; however, a strong US economic rebound should benefit EM and European financials. Short duration in investment grade financials combined with high credit spreads in High Yield financials and more subordinated debt may remain the way forward.

Bank Credit Weekly: One Size Does Not Fit All

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

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Event-Driven

Haidilao International Holding / Event-Driven

The Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) announced the results of its review of the Hang Seng Family of Indexes post market close on 26 February. The constituent changes will be effective after the close of trading on 12 March.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/alibaba-health-information-technology-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:453:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Health Information Technology (241 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/longfor-properties" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8149:1" rel="noopener">Longfor Properties (960 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/haidilao-international-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27044:1" rel="noopener">Haidilao (6862 HK)</a>. This takes the number of index constituents to 55 and sets the stage for a further increase in the number of stocks as a part of the market consultation, the conclusions of which are to be announced on 1 March.One-way turnover is estimated at 2.65% and will result in a one-way trade of HK$6.08bn. The highest impact is on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/longfor-properties" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8149:1" rel="noopener">Longfor Properties (960 HK)</a> while the impact on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-health-information-technology-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:453:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Health Information Technology (241 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/haidilao-international-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27044:1" rel="noopener">Haidilao (6862 HK)</a> is lower, though still substantial.There are only 10 trading days to implementation of the changes, so the three stocks should move up on Monday and outperform their peers till implementation date.Hang Seng Indexes is scheduled to announce the conclusions of the market consultation on Monday, 1 March and there will be a lot more changes to the index. These changes should commence at the June 2021 review and will most likely be implemented in 4 tranches, concluding at the March 2022 review.

The Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) announced the results of its review of the Hang Seng Family of Indexes post market close on 26 February. The constituent changes will be effective after the close of trading on 12 March.For the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX), there are 3 inclusions - Alibaba Health Information Technology (241 HK), Longfor Properties (960 HK) and Haidilao (6862 HK). This takes the number of index constituents to 55 and sets the stage for a further increase in the number of stocks as a part of the market consultation, the conclusions of which are to be announced on 1 March.One-way turnover is estimated at 2.65% and will result in a one-way trade of HK$6.08bn. The highest impact is on Longfor Properties (960 HK) while the impact on Alibaba Health Information Technology (241 HK) and Haidilao (6862 HK) is lower, though still substantial.There are only 10 trading days to implementation of the changes, so the three stocks should move up on Monday and outperform their peers till implementation date.Hang Seng Indexes is scheduled to announce the conclusions of the market consultation on Monday, 1 March and there will be a lot more changes to the index. These changes should commence at the June 2021 review and will most likely be implemented in 4 tranches, concluding at the March 2022 review.

Hang Seng Index Rebalance: Three Adds; Market Consultation Conclusions on 1 March

United Kingdom

HSBC Holdings plc is the holding company for the HSBC Group. The Company provides a variety of international banking and financial services, including retail and corporate banking, trade, trusteeship, securities, custody, capital markets, treasury, private and investment banking, and insurance.  The Group operates worldwide.

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HSBC Holdings (HSBA LN)

HSBC: On Review for Downgrade, Buy the Dips

The capital buffer over the Point of Non-Viability matters most to Tier 2 investors. Moody’s Tier 2 ratings are mechanically, rather than...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Credit Suisse – Greensill Goes BK

CREDIT SUISSE: Greensill has filed for insolvency. Lawyers for Greensill cited its inability to repay a USD 140 mn bridge loan from Credit Suisse...

Thomas J. Monaco

Credit Suisse – Another European Daisy Chain

CREDIT SUISSE: Greensill is close to bankruptcy. Credit Suisse , GAM , Tokio Marine, SoftBank and others are likely to see additional weakness...

Thomas J. Monaco

Bank Credit Weekly: One Size Does Not Fit All

Performance attributes varied amongst bank credit classes. Short duration in IG financials combined with high credit spreads in HY and more...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Hang Seng Index Rebalance: Three Adds; Market Consultation Conclusions on 1 March

There are 3 inclusions to the HSI - Ali Health, Longfor Prop and Haidilao. With 10 days to implementation, the stocks should outperform....

Brian Freitas

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