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

Cross Asset Strategy

<div class="content-highlight">
The week that was in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma</a> is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  
</div>
<h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3>
In Indonesia<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-mandiri-persero-bmri-ij-a-plethora-of-good-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - A Plethora of Good News</a>,  Cross-ASEAN insight provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> reports back a call with<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-mandiri-persero-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ)</a> revealed a relatively positive message on a number of fronts, which came as a rare positive surprise. 
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-mandiri-persero-bmri-ij-the-unsung-hero-of-syariah" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - The Unsung Hero of Syariah?</a> , Cross-ASEAN Insight provider<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> sees potential positive catalysts in the merger of three State-owned Syariah banks. He believes that Mandiri Syariah,  given it has the largest Syariah business and generating an ROE in excess of 15%, will take the lead in the merged entity. 
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/metrodata-electronic-mtdl-ij-a-rare-value-play-on-indonesia-s-digitalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ) - A Rare Value Play on Indonesia's Digitalization</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> highlights why<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/metrodata-electronic-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ)</a> looks undervalued, as it benefits not only from offline companies continuing to digitalize processes and infrastructure but also from the rise in e-commerce, digital payments, fintech, and gaming. 
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/xl-axiata-excl-ij-enabling-and-converging-in-indonesia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) - Enabling and Converging in Indonesia</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xl-axiata-tbk-pt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> XL Axiata (EXCL IJ),</a> one of the key enablers of the Indonesian digital economy, with around 90% of revenues coming from data and 75% of its subscriber base on 4G. Smartkarma hosted a Webinar with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xl-axiata-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15028:1" rel="noopener">XL Axiata (EXCL IJ)</a> last week, which revealed a positive long-term picture, despite some near term competitive headwinds. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sunpower-read-across-from-buyout-of-zheneng-jinjiang-fair-value-remains-at-1-sgd-63-upside" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44133" rel="noopener">Sunpower: Read Across from Buyout of Zheneng JinJiang; Fair Value Remains at 1 SGD (63% Upside),</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/nicolas-van-broekhoven-24a66c2d-bca4-4f5b-adda-c4e2bcc509f4" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1208" rel="noopener">Nicolas Van Broekhoven</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sunpower-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18395:1" rel="noopener">Sunpower Group (SPWG SP)</a> post a Smartakarma webinar with the company. 
In Thailand<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ipo-radar-nforce-secure-new-player-in-thai-cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> IPO Radar: NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security</a>, Thai Specialist<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> takes a look at NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security.  
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/wilmar-is-a-buy-after-yka-s-listing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44228" rel="noopener">Wilmar Is A Buy After YKA’s Listing,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wilmar-international-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:172:1" rel="noopener">Wilmar International (WIL SP)</a> following the successful listing of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yihai-kerry-arawana-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29184:1" rel="noopener">Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co Ltd (YKA CH).</a>
In Singapore<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sgx-sgx-sp-market-under-rates-its-growth-potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> SGX (SGX SP): Market Under-Rates Its Growth Potential</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/victor-galliano" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Victor Galliano</a> discusses why he feels<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> SGX (SGX SP)</a> is undervalued. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/business-dna-suksan-yasasin-of-chayo-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44242" rel="noopener">Business DNA: Suksan Yasasin of Chayo Group,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> conducts an interview with Suksan Yasasin, the CEO of Chayo Group. Business DNA is a chance to dig into the essential makeup of business leaders and their organizations. The focus is not on the short term but rather on understanding the driving forces of a business. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ori-expect-flat-3q20-earnings-but-strong-recovery-in-4q20" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44163" rel="noopener">ORI: Expect Flat 3Q20 Earnings but Strong Recovery in 4Q20,</a> our friends at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisit <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/origin-property-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26762:1" rel="noopener">Origin Property (ORI TB)</a> ahead of the company's earnings. 
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/com7-upgrade-super-cycle-for-iphone-users" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44208" rel="noopener">COM7: Upgrade Super Cycle for iPhone Users,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisits this electronics distributor in light of the announcement of the launch of the new iPhone 12. 
<h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/snippets-45-lobster-alliance-cp-all-goes-to-laos" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42866" rel="noopener">Snippets #45: Lobster Alliance, CP All Goes to Laos,</a> our Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> highlights five developments over the past week that may impact Thai equities.
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sti-index-rebalance-kdcreit-included-flt-misses-out" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44178" rel="noopener">STI Index Rebalance: KDCREIT Included, FLT Misses Out,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4091" rel="noopener">Brian Freitas</a> comments on the recent FTSE STI Index rebalance.  
In<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/msci-nov20-index-rebalance-preview-asean-em-edition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> MSCI Nov20 Index Rebalance Preview - ASEAN EM Edition</a>,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Brian Freitas</a> looks at the upcoming MSCI ASEAN EM scheduled rebalancing. 
<h3>Credit Insights</h3>
In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kasikornbank-s-inaugural-at1-underweight-on-franchise-challenges-and-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44176" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank’s Inaugural AT1 – Underweight on Franchise Challenges and Valuation,</a> credit specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/hank-calenti-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:5194" rel="noopener">Hank Calenti, CFA</a> comments on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank PCL (KBANK TB)</a>'s inaugural AT1 bond. He suggests to Underweight <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank's (KBANK)</a> inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond on franchise challenges and valuation.


The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive, and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  

Equity Bottom-Up Insights
In Indonesia Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - A Plethora of Good News,  Cross-ASEAN insight provider Angus Mackintosh reports back a call with Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) revealed a relatively positive message on a number of fronts, which came as a rare positive surprise. 
In Bank Mandiri Persero (BMRI IJ) - The Unsung Hero of Syariah? , Cross-ASEAN Insight provider Angus Mackintosh sees potential positive catalysts in the merger of three State-owned Syariah banks. He believes that Mandiri Syariah,  given it has the largest Syariah business and generating an ROE in excess of 15%, will take the lead in the merged entity. 
In Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ) - A Rare Value Play on Indonesia's Digitalization, Angus Mackintosh highlights why Metrodata Electronic (MTDL IJ) looks undervalued, as it benefits not only from offline companies continuing to digitalize processes and infrastructure but also from the rise in e-commerce, digital payments, fintech, and gaming. 
In XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) - Enabling and Converging in Indonesia, Angus Mackintosh revisits XL Axiata (EXCL IJ), one of the key enablers of the Indonesian digital economy, with around 90% of revenues coming from data and 75% of its subscriber base on 4G. Smartkarma hosted a Webinar with XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) last week, which revealed a positive long-term picture, despite some near term competitive headwinds. 
In Sunpower: Read Across from Buyout of Zheneng JinJiang; Fair Value Remains at 1 SGD (63% Upside), CrossASEAN Insight Provider provider Nicolas Van Broekhoven revisits Sunpower Group (SPWG SP) post a Smartakarma webinar with the company. 
In Thailand IPO Radar: NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security, Thai Specialist Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA takes a look at NForce Secure, New Player in Thai Cyber Security.  
In Wilmar Is A Buy After YKA’s Listing,David Blennerhassett revisits Wilmar International (WIL SP) following the successful listing of Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co Ltd (YKA CH).
In Singapore SGX (SGX SP): Market Under-Rates Its Growth Potential, Victor Galliano discusses why he feels SGX (SGX SP) is undervalued. 
In Business DNA: Suksan Yasasin of Chayo Group,Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA conducts an interview with Suksan Yasasin, the CEO of Chayo Group. Business DNA is a chance to dig into the essential makeup of business leaders and their organizations. The focus is not on the short term but rather on understanding the driving forces of a business. 
In ORI: Expect Flat 3Q20 Earnings but Strong Recovery in 4Q20, our friends at Country Group revisit Origin Property (ORI TB) ahead of the company's earnings. 
In COM7: Upgrade Super Cycle for iPhone Users, Country Group revisits this electronics distributor in light of the announcement of the launch of the new iPhone 12. 
Sector and Thematic Insights
In Snippets #45: Lobster Alliance, CP All Goes to Laos, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA highlights five developments over the past week that may impact Thai equities.
In STI Index Rebalance: KDCREIT Included, FLT Misses Out, Brian Freitas comments on the recent FTSE STI Index rebalance.  
In MSCI Nov20 Index Rebalance Preview - ASEAN EM Edition, Brian Freitas looks at the upcoming MSCI ASEAN EM scheduled rebalancing. 
Credit Insights
In Kasikornbank’s Inaugural AT1 – Underweight on Franchise Challenges and Valuation, credit specialist Hank Calenti, CFA comments on Kasikornbank PCL (KBANK TB)'s inaugural AT1 bond. He suggests to Underweight Kasikornbank's (KBANK) inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond on franchise challenges and valuation. 

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Syariah Banking, XL Axiata, and Telkom's Tower Spinoff

Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

Underweight <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank's (KBANK)</a> inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond on franchise challenges and valuation. Although Thailand is a long-term Coronavirus vaccine recovery play, we believe that KBANK’s SME emphasis is a franchise challenge that may extend the bank’s recovery timeframe. At the same time, trading at only 33bps higher than <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-bank-public-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:213:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Bank (BBLTB)</a> in Option Adjusted Spread terms, KBANK’s inaugural issue appears to be fully valued.Kasikornbank’s 5.275% coupon 2025 callable US$-AT1 bond was 3x over-subscribed with 25% of orders from outside Asia, according to Bloomberg. Asian investors were likely attracted by the coupon; however, we are not convinced they are prepared for a relatively higher risk outcome as the bond’s yield declines. As such, yield compression is likely to be capped. In addition to this technical trading aspect, we elaborate on what we like and dislike regarding the issuer and this security within this insight.  What we like:<ul>
<li>The 5+ percent coupon should attract investors searching for higher yielding product.</li>
<li>The relatively high coupon reset level at five-year US Treasuries plus 494 should enable call at first call date, absent considerable credit quality deterioration.</li>
<li>Lower lending concentrations than Bangkok Bank.</li>
<li>High net interest margins and fee income juice pre-provision revenue.</li>
<li>Highest buffers to minimum capital requirements amongst Thai banks.</li>
</ul>What we dislike:<ul>
<li>Thai bank AT1 is subject to tougher coupon payment requirements than in other countries.</li>
<li>Leadership in lending to small &amp; medium sized enterprises (SME) may result in higher loan restructuring needs in the COVID-19 operating environment.</li>
<li>Restructured loan recidivism is high and this is a primary risk to chronic COVID loan relief decay.</li>
<li>Net interest margin to be pressured from Bank of Thailand rate moves and programmes to lower interest rates on SME borrowers.</li>
<li>KBANK’s SME ecosystem is likely to be tested by fragile operating conditions in Thailand.</li>
</ul>Despite the challenges of operating an SME franchise during an economic crisis, KBANK achieved a relatively attractive coupon level in its inaugural AT1 bond. This bond may outperform the market over the very near term, due to global monetary accommodation that will push investors to this security and domestic loan forbearance measures that will mask the true financial condition of Thai banks for months. However, the market impact of these measures may diminish with time. As such, we are taking a longer-term view and believe that this security will underperform its peers. Taken together, we recommend that investors underweight KBANK’s AT1 bond given the franchise challenges that the firm faces and current valuation levels. Issued at T+494 and trading at around T+ 492, we suggest taking profits at T+540 and recommend a stop loss at T+440.

Underweight Kasikornbank's (KBANK) inaugural Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond on franchise challenges and valuation. Although Thailand is a long-term Coronavirus vaccine recovery play, we believe that KBANK’s SME emphasis is a franchise challenge that may extend the bank’s recovery timeframe. At the same time, trading at only 33bps higher than Bangkok Bank (BBLTB) in Option Adjusted Spread terms, KBANK’s inaugural issue appears to be fully valued.Kasikornbank’s 5.275% coupon 2025 callable US$-AT1 bond was 3x over-subscribed with 25% of orders from outside Asia, according to Bloomberg. Asian investors were likely attracted by the coupon; however, we are not convinced they are prepared for a relatively higher risk outcome as the bond’s yield declines. As such, yield compression is likely to be capped. In addition to this technical trading aspect, we elaborate on what we like and dislike regarding the issuer and this security within this insight.  What we like:
The 5+ percent coupon should attract investors searching for higher yielding product.
The relatively high coupon reset level at five-year US Treasuries plus 494 should enable call at first call date, absent considerable credit quality deterioration.
Lower lending concentrations than Bangkok Bank.
High net interest margins and fee income juice pre-provision revenue.
Highest buffers to minimum capital requirements amongst Thai banks.
What we dislike:
Thai bank AT1 is subject to tougher coupon payment requirements than in other countries.
Leadership in lending to small &amp; medium sized enterprises (SME) may result in higher loan restructuring needs in the COVID-19 operating environment.
Restructured loan recidivism is high and this is a primary risk to chronic COVID loan relief decay.
Net interest margin to be pressured from Bank of Thailand rate moves and programmes to lower interest rates on SME borrowers.
KBANK’s SME ecosystem is likely to be tested by fragile operating conditions in Thailand.
Despite the challenges of operating an SME franchise during an economic crisis, KBANK achieved a relatively attractive coupon level in its inaugural AT1 bond. This bond may outperform the market over the very near term, due to global monetary accommodation that will push investors to this security and domestic loan forbearance measures that will mask the true financial condition of Thai banks for months. However, the market impact of these measures may diminish with time. As such, we are taking a longer-term view and believe that this security will underperform its peers. Taken together, we recommend that investors underweight KBANK’s AT1 bond given the franchise challenges that the firm faces and current valuation levels. Issued at T+494 and trading at around T+ 492, we suggest taking profits at T+540 and recommend a stop loss at T+440.

Kasikornbank’s Inaugural AT1 – Underweight on Franchise Challenges and Valuation

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.

Equity Bottom-Up

Commonwealth Bank of Australia / Equity Bottom-Up

The theme is one of recovery, not from a major economic shock, or unsustainable economic misalignment. Rather as Mr Taleb puts it, governments' decision to shut down whole economies, is the Black Swan. Therefore recovery should be different as economies open, as the fear subsides, as it becomes increasingly clear that governments grossly over-reacted. CBA’s most recent update goes some way to showing how this is playing out and perhaps contradictory to stated economic growth rates.

The theme is one of recovery, not from a major economic shock, or unsustainable economic misalignment. Rather as Mr Taleb puts it, governments' decision to shut down whole economies, is the Black Swan. Therefore recovery should be different as economies open, as the fear subsides, as it becomes increasingly clear that governments grossly over-reacted. CBA’s most recent update goes some way to showing how this is playing out and perhaps contradictory to stated economic growth rates.

US high yield markets outperformed Asia’s as expectations of an eventual US stimulus package met hopes for a less contentious US election result as Joe Biden’s polling lead grew. The relative outperformance of the US versus Asia resulted in continued high yield index spread decompression. We expect this decompression to end on a buy the rumour, sell the news, trade on prospects for a Democratic Party election sweep over the next few weeks.In rate markets, US Treasury curve steepening accelerated on continued improved risk sentiment and reflation expectations. Concurrently, President Trump’s vacillation between off, then on, economic stimulus talks were met with bewilderment, if not outright health concerns.  Short-term interest rate futures spiked upwards as the news of President Trumps COVID-19 diagnosis changed election outcome projections and prospects of eventual federal stimulus pushed rate expectations even higher. In US equity markets, futures on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) and spot VIX Index levels fell on lower perceived downside risks and higher expectations of a less contentious election result.Emerging market capital inflows rebounded strongly during the week as US dollar weakness returned. Over the near term, the more certain the market is of an uncontested election outcome, the greater the potential for US dollar weakness on concerns that more fiscal spending will widen U.S. trade and budget deficits.Meanwhile, Asia bank credit investors favoured a mix of high quality and higher yield Additional Tier 1 (AT1) and subordinated debt, in-line with the tepid increase in Asia’s risk sentiment. As the week closed, the Reserve Bank of India announced additional unconventional monetary policy stimulus measures aimed at improving credit transmission via the local bond market. This should benefit the more active debt capital market participants.Concurrently, only US$5.6 billion was raised by financial institutions in USD and Euros in the form of Senior HoldCo, Senior Non-preferred and AT1 bonds. Amongst Asia-headquartered banks, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank (KBANK TB)</a> issued an AT1 bond, following the successful placement two weeks ago by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-bank-public-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:213:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Bank (BBL TB)</a>. We anticipate additional AT1 issuance by Thai-headquartered banks due to their capital stack needs. For more on this and the unique challenges of these banks, please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-constraints-debt-capital-issuance-needs-and-potential-impacts" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43884" rel="noopener">Thai Bank Capital Constraints and Debt Issuance Needs</a> as well as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-and-chronic-covid-19-sensitivity" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44011" rel="noopener">Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity</a>.  Looking forward, China is reported to be considering the issuance of an offshore US$-bond for the fourth straight year. The transaction could occur in the next week. Market Outlook A sweep of the Senate, House and Presidency by the Democratic Party may be met with higher long-term interest rates on spending concerns. Although stimulus may be positive for US risk assets, higher long-term rates may not be emerging market friendly. However, a rise in long-term rates may be tempered by the return of US Treasuries as a favored carry-trade option and by more targeted Federal Reserve asset purchase program operations.Inside: In this weekly, we elaborate on these themes as we review global credit index levels, equity volatility,  interest rates, Eurodollar futures and fund flows as well as bank bond spread moves and recent debt issuance to identify possible investment opportunities and potential pitfalls in Asia-headquartered bank bonds.

US high yield markets outperformed Asia’s as expectations of an eventual US stimulus package met hopes for a less contentious US election result as Joe Biden’s polling lead grew. The relative outperformance of the US versus Asia resulted in continued high yield index spread decompression. We expect this decompression to end on a buy the rumour, sell the news, trade on prospects for a Democratic Party election sweep over the next few weeks.In rate markets, US Treasury curve steepening accelerated on continued improved risk sentiment and reflation expectations. Concurrently, President Trump’s vacillation between off, then on, economic stimulus talks were met with bewilderment, if not outright health concerns.  Short-term interest rate futures spiked upwards as the news of President Trumps COVID-19 diagnosis changed election outcome projections and prospects of eventual federal stimulus pushed rate expectations even higher. In US equity markets, futures on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) and spot VIX Index levels fell on lower perceived downside risks and higher expectations of a less contentious election result.Emerging market capital inflows rebounded strongly during the week as US dollar weakness returned. Over the near term, the more certain the market is of an uncontested election outcome, the greater the potential for US dollar weakness on concerns that more fiscal spending will widen U.S. trade and budget deficits.Meanwhile, Asia bank credit investors favoured a mix of high quality and higher yield Additional Tier 1 (AT1) and subordinated debt, in-line with the tepid increase in Asia’s risk sentiment. As the week closed, the Reserve Bank of India announced additional unconventional monetary policy stimulus measures aimed at improving credit transmission via the local bond market. This should benefit the more active debt capital market participants.Concurrently, only US$5.6 billion was raised by financial institutions in USD and Euros in the form of Senior HoldCo, Senior Non-preferred and AT1 bonds. Amongst Asia-headquartered banks, Kasikornbank (KBANK TB) issued an AT1 bond, following the successful placement two weeks ago by Bangkok Bank (BBL TB). We anticipate additional AT1 issuance by Thai-headquartered banks due to their capital stack needs. For more on this and the unique challenges of these banks, please see Thai Bank Capital Constraints and Debt Issuance Needs as well as Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity.  Looking forward, China is reported to be considering the issuance of an offshore US$-bond for the fourth straight year. The transaction could occur in the next week. Market Outlook A sweep of the Senate, House and Presidency by the Democratic Party may be met with higher long-term interest rates on spending concerns. Although stimulus may be positive for US risk assets, higher long-term rates may not be emerging market friendly. However, a rise in long-term rates may be tempered by the return of US Treasuries as a favored carry-trade option and by more targeted Federal Reserve asset purchase program operations.Inside: In this weekly, we elaborate on these themes as we review global credit index levels, equity volatility,  interest rates, Eurodollar futures and fund flows as well as bank bond spread moves and recent debt issuance to identify possible investment opportunities and potential pitfalls in Asia-headquartered bank bonds.

Bank Credit Weekly: Risk-On as US Election and Stimulus Outlooks Sharpen

Jump to default risk may eventually increase at Thailand-headquartered banks if COVID-19 loan relief decay becomes chronic. We would like to hope for the best, but we recommend being prepared for the worst which is that a hardcore element of COVID-19 relief may never be repaid. This is not priced in the market, and may not be for some time; however, we think it better to invest with one’s eyes wide open.Given the size of COVID-19 assistance granted by banks in Thailand, loss given default amongst the COVID-19 loan relief cohort need only be a fraction of the total receiving relief in order for Thai bank capital buffers to be depleted. At the same time, losses on currently reported nonperforming assets (NPAs) need to be substantial to impact current capital levels. However, currently reported NPA ratios offer no line of sight on possible future COVID-19 related losses which could impact optional capital distributions, such as dividends and Additional Tier 1 coupons.Although there may be a considerable amount of time available for Thai banks to ‘earn’ their way out of this crisis, a slowdown or downturn in the Thai or global economy could result in a material increase in the number of failed loan restructurings and a corresponding increase in losses. In the intervening time-period, bank performance measures are unlikely to reflect the real economic strength of Thai-headquartered financial institutions due to the accounting treatment of COVID-19 assistance provided. As a result, Thai bank classifications and provisioning may be less stringent than those applicable to banks in the US and other countries. Meanwhile, Thai banks face both a net profit and a capital buffer test towards determining their ability to make optional capital distribution payments. Please see the companion report to this insight, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-constraints-debt-capital-issuance-needs-and-potential-impacts" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43884" rel="noopener">Thai Bank Capital Constraints</a>, for details regarding currently constraining capital buffer levels. In this note, we focus on the sensitivity of each banks’ constraining capital buffer to borrowers receiving COVID-19 loan relief.

Jump to default risk may eventually increase at Thailand-headquartered banks if COVID-19 loan relief decay becomes chronic. We would like to hope for the best, but we recommend being prepared for the worst which is that a hardcore element of COVID-19 relief may never be repaid. This is not priced in the market, and may not be for some time; however, we think it better to invest with one’s eyes wide open.Given the size of COVID-19 assistance granted by banks in Thailand, loss given default amongst the COVID-19 loan relief cohort need only be a fraction of the total receiving relief in order for Thai bank capital buffers to be depleted. At the same time, losses on currently reported nonperforming assets (NPAs) need to be substantial to impact current capital levels. However, currently reported NPA ratios offer no line of sight on possible future COVID-19 related losses which could impact optional capital distributions, such as dividends and Additional Tier 1 coupons.Although there may be a considerable amount of time available for Thai banks to ‘earn’ their way out of this crisis, a slowdown or downturn in the Thai or global economy could result in a material increase in the number of failed loan restructurings and a corresponding increase in losses. In the intervening time-period, bank performance measures are unlikely to reflect the real economic strength of Thai-headquartered financial institutions due to the accounting treatment of COVID-19 assistance provided. As a result, Thai bank classifications and provisioning may be less stringent than those applicable to banks in the US and other countries. Meanwhile, Thai banks face both a net profit and a capital buffer test towards determining their ability to make optional capital distribution payments. Please see the companion report to this insight, Thai Bank Capital Constraints, for details regarding currently constraining capital buffer levels. In this note, we focus on the sensitivity of each banks’ constraining capital buffer to borrowers receiving COVID-19 loan relief.  

Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity

Thailand

Kasikornbank Public Company Limited provides commercial banking services including personal and commercial banking, international trade, as well as investment banking services, to its customers throughout Thailand.  The Bank has foreign branches in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, and Shenzhen; and representative offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Kunmin.

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Kasikornbank (KBANK/F TB)

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