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

*No Substance: HDFC Bank (HDFCB.IN) [HDFCB] provided an investor update for FY 2Q22 ahead of its officially scheduled October 16, 2021 earnings release. The highlights were solely related to growth of lending and deposits; and*See No Evil: Nothing was discussed regarding HDFCB’s abysmal credit quality metrics from FY 1Q22, which likely will remain a true headache. At FY 1Q22, net new NPLs actually increased 153% on an annualized basis which is quite worrisome.  We would also be more comfortable if HDFCB was a bit more aggressive with its provisions. By our calculation, reserves are currently short by nearly INR 316 bn or nearly a year of operating results.

*No Substance: HDFC Bank (HDFCB.IN) [HDFCB] provided an investor update for FY 2Q22 ahead of its officially scheduled October 16, 2021 earnings release. The highlights were solely related to growth of lending and deposits; and*See No Evil: Nothing was discussed regarding HDFCB’s abysmal credit quality metrics from FY 1Q22, which likely will remain a true headache. At FY 1Q22, net new NPLs actually increased 153% on an annualized basis which is quite worrisome.  We would also be more comfortable if HDFCB was a bit more aggressive with its provisions. By our calculation, reserves are currently short by nearly INR 316 bn or nearly a year of operating results. 

*Another Abysmal Result: Bank of Baroda (BOB.IN) [BOB] reported FY 1Q22 results of INR 12.1 bn, improving from the loss of INR 10.5 bn in FY 4Q21. However, on an operating basis, we note that linked quarter results improved to INR 2.6 bn versus a loss of INR 1,4 bn in FY 4Q21; and *Poor Reserve Cover Worsens:  Net new NPLs accelerated to INR 25.7 bn or 15.4% annualized versus INR 13.5 bn or 11.2% annualized at FY 4Q21. By our calculation, however, BOB’s reserves still remain light by INR 300 bn or nearly six years of FY 1Q22 earnings.

*Another Abysmal Result: Bank of Baroda (BOB.IN) [BOB] reported FY 1Q22 results of INR 12.1 bn, improving from the loss of INR 10.5 bn in FY 4Q21. However, on an operating basis, we note that linked quarter results improved to INR 2.6 bn versus a loss of INR 1,4 bn in FY 4Q21; and *Poor Reserve Cover Worsens:  Net new NPLs accelerated to INR 25.7 bn or 15.4% annualized versus INR 13.5 bn or 11.2% annualized at FY 4Q21. By our calculation, however, BOB’s reserves still remain light by INR 300 bn or nearly six years of FY 1Q22 earnings.

Chief Economist & Political Strategist, CrossASEAN Research

Prasenjit K. Basu

Chief Economist & Political Strategist

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

Macroeconomics

India's exports grew 86% YoY in Apr-Jun 2021, and were 18.3% higher than in Apr-Jun 2019 (the pre-Covid times). The return to pre-Covid levels was clearest in June (+48.3% YoY, and 30% up from June 2019) and July (+47.9% YoY, and 34% above July 2019). The height of the second Covid wave did hurt industrial growth in May 2021 (up 29.3% YoY, but down 12.6% from May 2019), although industrial output surpassed 2019 levels in April; for April-May 2021, manufacturing output grew 88.8% YoY. And in 1H 2021, India's steel output (+31.3% YoY) was the fastest-growing among the world's top-10 steel producers. A real recovery is set to gather momentum in 2H 2021. The clearest evidence of a powerful economic rebound comes from the revival in net tax revenues, which were up 97% YoY in 1Q-FY2021/22, and were 26.7% of the full-year target in 1Q of this fiscal year, compared with reaching just 14.4% of the full year target in Apr-Jun 2019. However, while total government spending in Apr-Jun 2021 was 23.6% of the full-year target, it was 25.9% of full-year target in Apr-Jun 2019 -- the consequence being that the fiscal deficit in Apr-Jun 2021 was just 18.2% of the full-year target, while in Apr-Jun 2019 it had been a whopping 61.4% of the target. Fiscal prudence is helped by a surge in corporate tax revenue (+128% YoY, but also 75% higher than in Apr-Jun 2019) and soaring union excise duties (mainly on petrol and diesel, which are encouraging a shift to renewables across the energy spectrum). Remarkable fiscal prudence should ensure that deficits this year will be below target. With exports, industrial output and tax revenue soaring, the economy is set to accelerate, and comfortably achieved 11% real GDP growth this year, especially as the accelerated vaccination drive helps contain any third Covid wave.  That corporate tax revenues in Apr-Jun 2021 were 75% higher than in Apr-Jun 2019 suggests a powerful acceleration in corporate profitability. That pace of corporate profit acceleration will ensure that valuations will remain reasonable despite the steadily rising equity prices. We would recommend staying Overweight India.

India's exports grew 86% YoY in Apr-Jun 2021, and were 18.3% higher than in Apr-Jun 2019 (the pre-Covid times). The return to pre-Covid levels was clearest in June (+48.3% YoY, and 30% up from June 2019) and July (+47.9% YoY, and 34% above July 2019). The height of the second Covid wave did hurt industrial growth in May 2021 (up 29.3% YoY, but down 12.6% from May 2019), although industrial output surpassed 2019 levels in April; for April-May 2021, manufacturing output grew 88.8% YoY. And in 1H 2021, India's steel output (+31.3% YoY) was the fastest-growing among the world's top-10 steel producers. A real recovery is set to gather momentum in 2H 2021. The clearest evidence of a powerful economic rebound comes from the revival in net tax revenues, which were up 97% YoY in 1Q-FY2021/22, and were 26.7% of the full-year target in 1Q of this fiscal year, compared with reaching just 14.4% of the full year target in Apr-Jun 2019. However, while total government spending in Apr-Jun 2021 was 23.6% of the full-year target, it was 25.9% of full-year target in Apr-Jun 2019 -- the consequence being that the fiscal deficit in Apr-Jun 2021 was just 18.2% of the full-year target, while in Apr-Jun 2019 it had been a whopping 61.4% of the target. Fiscal prudence is helped by a surge in corporate tax revenue (+128% YoY, but also 75% higher than in Apr-Jun 2019) and soaring union excise duties (mainly on petrol and diesel, which are encouraging a shift to renewables across the energy spectrum). Remarkable fiscal prudence should ensure that deficits this year will be below target. With exports, industrial output and tax revenue soaring, the economy is set to accelerate, and comfortably achieved 11% real GDP growth this year, especially as the accelerated vaccination drive helps contain any third Covid wave.  That corporate tax revenues in Apr-Jun 2021 were 75% higher than in Apr-Jun 2019 suggests a powerful acceleration in corporate profitability. That pace of corporate profit acceleration will ensure that valuations will remain reasonable despite the steadily rising equity prices. We would recommend staying Overweight India.   

India: Exports Lead Industrial Rebound, While Fiscal Policy Remains Prudent

*ChallengesMount: HDFC Ltd (HDFC.IN) [HDFC] reported FY 1Q22 results of INR 30.0 bn, decreasing INR 1.8 bn (5.6%) on a linked quarter basis. However, core operating results came in at INR 24.7 bn, declining INR 2.7 bn (9.9%) over the same period – despite net interest income improving INR 819 mn  (2.0%) off of a 20 bp NIM improvement to 3.70% and managed loan growth of 0.2%; and*Credit Quality Worsens: Given the INR 5.0 bn in NCOs during FY 1Q22, net new NPLs accelerated to INR 19.0 bn and increased 65.5% on an annualized basis versus INR 3.6 bn or 14.2% on an annualized basis in FY 1Q21. We would have preferred that HDFC be even more vigilant given the continued growing uncertainty of COVID-19. As such, we still find that HDFC’s reserve still needs shoring up by another INR 83 bn or over three quarters of core operating results.

*ChallengesMount: HDFC Ltd (HDFC.IN) [HDFC] reported FY 1Q22 results of INR 30.0 bn, decreasing INR 1.8 bn (5.6%) on a linked quarter basis. However, core operating results came in at INR 24.7 bn, declining INR 2.7 bn (9.9%) over the same period – despite net interest income improving INR 819 mn  (2.0%) off of a 20 bp NIM improvement to 3.70% and managed loan growth of 0.2%; and*Credit Quality Worsens: Given the INR 5.0 bn in NCOs during FY 1Q22, net new NPLs accelerated to INR 19.0 bn and increased 65.5% on an annualized basis versus INR 3.6 bn or 14.2% on an annualized basis in FY 1Q21. We would have preferred that HDFC be even more vigilant given the continued growing uncertainty of COVID-19. As such, we still find that HDFC’s reserve still needs shoring up by another INR 83 bn or over three quarters of core operating results. 

*Credibility Gap Widens: LIC Housing Finance (LICHF.IN) [LIC] reported FY 1Q22 bottom-line results of INR 1.5 bn, declining INR 2.5 bn (61.5%) linked quarter. Negative operating jaws, were the culprit, as costs increased INR 469 mn (21.1%) whilst revenues declined INR 2.6 bn (16.7%); and*Very Negative Credit Delta: Despite the limited NCOs, net new NPLs at LIC still skyrocketed INR 44.7 bn or 190.3% on an annualized basis linked quarter significantly accelerating from a very high INR 12.6 bn (62.0%) during FY 4Q21. By our calculation, if the large blip in credit continues, LIC management ought to think about adding another INR 158 bn to the reserve – which amounts to 78% of stated equity at just 50% cover of NPLs.

*Credibility Gap Widens: LIC Housing Finance (LICHF.IN) [LIC] reported FY 1Q22 bottom-line results of INR 1.5 bn, declining INR 2.5 bn (61.5%) linked quarter. Negative operating jaws, were the culprit, as costs increased INR 469 mn (21.1%) whilst revenues declined INR 2.6 bn (16.7%); and*Very Negative Credit Delta: Despite the limited NCOs, net new NPLs at LIC still skyrocketed INR 44.7 bn or 190.3% on an annualized basis linked quarter significantly accelerating from a very high INR 12.6 bn (62.0%) during FY 4Q21. By our calculation, if the large blip in credit continues, LIC management ought to think about adding another INR 158 bn to the reserve – which amounts to 78% of stated equity at just 50% cover of NPLs.

LIC Housing Finance – Unmitigated Disaster

India

iShares MSCI India Index ETF is an exchange-traded fund registered in Singapore. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before expenses, closely correspond to the performance of the MSCI India Index. The Fund invests all or substantially all of its assets in shares comprising the MSCI India Index in substantially the same weightings as constituted in the underlying index.

iShares MSCI India Index ETF (INDIA SP)

HDFC Bank – No Credit

HDFC BANK: HDFCB provided a balance sheet growth update for FY 2Q22. Nothing was discussed regarding HDFCB’s challenged credit quality nor its low...

Thomas J. Monaco

Bank of Baroda – More Capital Please

BANK OF BARODA: BOB reported FY 1Q22 operating results of INR 2.6 bn versus a loss of INR 1.4 bn in FY 4Q21. Net new NPLs accelerated to 15.4%...

Thomas J. Monaco

India: Exports Lead Industrial Rebound, While Fiscal Policy Remains Prudent

Jan-Jul21 exports up 47% YoY, with Jun-Jul 32% higher than 2019. Corp tax revenue is up 128%YoY & 75% above 2019, so fiscal deficit in Apr-Jun21...

Prasenjit K. Basu

HDFC Ltd – Just Getting Worse

HDFC: HDFC reported FY 1Q22 QOQ core result decline of 9.9%. Net new NPLs increased 65.5% annualized basis; HDFC’s reserve needs shoring up INR 83...

Thomas J. Monaco

LIC Housing Finance – Unmitigated Disaster

LIC HOUSING: LIC's FY 1Q22 bottom-line results declined 61.5% linked quarter due to negative operating jaws. Net new NPLs skyrocketed 190.3%...

Thomas J. Monaco