Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

It is difficult to make a truly bullish argument on behalf of US Treasuries now. The bottom line is it is still not time to buy duration. Risk yes. Duration no. Emerging Markets? It depends.The Fed re-anchored short-term, front-end, interest rate expectations via the Dot Plot, the Chairman’s comments, and actions to aid the overnight rate market. Overall, it was a better-than-expected communique from the Fed. With a spike of inflation next on the horizon, it may be a hard act to follow.Inflation can hide a host of sins. It can benefit financials and borrowers, but not the vulnerable in society, as inflation is a regressive tax. From a financial market perspective, it is difficult to envision a near-term spike in inflation as being credit positive. Market interest rates may overshoot as insurance against out-of-control inflation expectations. Risk assets, in particular Emerging Market assets, could over-react while the Fed under-reacts.The risk is that US policy makers are “fighting the last war.” Rather than continued curve steepening, we may see a period of consolidation, as short-end interest rate expectations rise at a faster rate,  essentially flattening the yield curve. We expect the Fed to be on watch for this.For financials, we anticipate improved net interest income levels during Q2 as both volume and yields rise. This would also result in higher non-interest income revenues as fee income soars from increased transactions. However, trading activity may see some institutions off-sides in terms of mistiming the market. We believe that it is better to be in banks with solid core operating revenues, rather than firms that have rediscovered and become over-reliant, once again, on trading activity.The recent back-up in US interest rates may be an opportunity to reload in some Emerging Markets (EM), just not in Turkey. Central bank independence is shattered once again by the firing of the Central Bank Governor. Only four months into the role, the former Governor is being replaced by an interest rate dove. We expect a large correction in Turkish bank bond as the markets digest this implausible reality next week. It may be better to focus on opportunities off the radar. EM high yield, but low duration, sovereign and more frontier bonds may be the answer. We cite a few inside.In terms of recent performance, in Asia, short duration and long risk bank bonds kept pace with Treasury weakness to end the week unchanged on a total return basis. Meanwhile, longer-dated European bank Contingent Capital (CoCos) managed to keep pace with Treasury market weakness to end the week unchanged on a total return basis. Each Additional Tier 1 bond callable in 2030 and 2031 tightened by 10 basis points. Given the simultaneous tightening, we ascribe this performance as due a restart of the AstraZeneca shot across the lagging EU’s vaccine effort. A third round of lockdowns may unwind these gains next week. Market Outlook: 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 friendly; however, a strong US economic rebound should benefit EM and European financials. First, we may need to get past the upcoming inflation spike.

It is difficult to make a truly bullish argument on behalf of US Treasuries now. The bottom line is it is still not time to buy duration. Risk yes. Duration no. Emerging Markets? It depends.The Fed re-anchored short-term, front-end, interest rate expectations via the Dot Plot, the Chairman’s comments, and actions to aid the overnight rate market. Overall, it was a better-than-expected communique from the Fed. With a spike of inflation next on the horizon, it may be a hard act to follow.Inflation can hide a host of sins. It can benefit financials and borrowers, but not the vulnerable in society, as inflation is a regressive tax. From a financial market perspective, it is difficult to envision a near-term spike in inflation as being credit positive. Market interest rates may overshoot as insurance against out-of-control inflation expectations. Risk assets, in particular Emerging Market assets, could over-react while the Fed under-reacts.The risk is that US policy makers are “fighting the last war.” Rather than continued curve steepening, we may see a period of consolidation, as short-end interest rate expectations rise at a faster rate,  essentially flattening the yield curve. We expect the Fed to be on watch for this.For financials, we anticipate improved net interest income levels during Q2 as both volume and yields rise. This would also result in higher non-interest income revenues as fee income soars from increased transactions. However, trading activity may see some institutions off-sides in terms of mistiming the market. We believe that it is better to be in banks with solid core operating revenues, rather than firms that have rediscovered and become over-reliant, once again, on trading activity.The recent back-up in US interest rates may be an opportunity to reload in some Emerging Markets (EM), just not in Turkey. Central bank independence is shattered once again by the firing of the Central Bank Governor. Only four months into the role, the former Governor is being replaced by an interest rate dove. We expect a large correction in Turkish bank bond as the markets digest this implausible reality next week. It may be better to focus on opportunities off the radar. EM high yield, but low duration, sovereign and more frontier bonds may be the answer. We cite a few inside.In terms of recent performance, in Asia, short duration and long risk bank bonds kept pace with Treasury weakness to end the week unchanged on a total return basis. Meanwhile, longer-dated European bank Contingent Capital (CoCos) managed to keep pace with Treasury market weakness to end the week unchanged on a total return basis. Each Additional Tier 1 bond callable in 2030 and 2031 tightened by 10 basis points. Given the simultaneous tightening, we ascribe this performance as due a restart of the AstraZeneca shot across the lagging EU’s vaccine effort. A third round of lockdowns may unwind these gains next week. Market Outlook: 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 friendly; however, a strong US economic rebound should benefit EM and European financials. First, we may need to get past the upcoming inflation spike.

Bank Credit Weekly: Inflation, the Next Market Challenge or Opportunity?

Thai Equity - Bottom-up - Equities, Pi Securities PCL, Thailand

Pi Research

Thai Equity - Bottom-up - Equities

Leading, full-service investment firm in Thailand

Pi Securities PCL, Thailand

Pi Securities is a well known securities company with 40 years experience in the industry, serving more than 60,000 clients. We offer one - stop service providing full range of financial products and services including extensive Brokerage, Proprietary Trading (Equities and Bonds), Advisory Services, Structured Products.

Moreover, our new research team tailored for institutional clients to focus on mid to small cap of Thai equities and trading strategies. Our services offered to our premium clients also include arrangement of company or site visits to with the managements of Thai listed companies.

Note: Effective on 1 March 2022, Country Group Securities PCL changed its name to Pi Securities

Equity Bottom-Up

We reiterate our BUY rating with a new target price at Bt169.00 (+13% from previous TP), derived from 0.92x PBV’21E which is higher than Asia-ex Japan Financials sector, lower than KBANK’s 3-years average at 0.96xPBV. Our new target price reflects better 2021E earnings forecast<div>• Availability of vaccine earlier than expected will benefit KBANK loan portfolio</div><div>• Revise up our earnings growth forecast for 2021E  from 24% to 31% and maintain 2022E and 2023 growth at 8% and 17% respectively to factor in better assumptions on loan growth, interest income and non- interest income</div><div>• Announced DPS’20 at Bt2.50 (XD 20 Apr, pay on  7 May) and expect Bt4.80 for DPS’21E or 3.3% yield</div>

We reiterate our BUY rating with a new target price at Bt169.00 (+13% from previous TP), derived from 0.92x PBV’21E which is higher than Asia-ex Japan Financials sector, lower than KBANK’s 3-years average at 0.96xPBV. Our new target price reflects better 2021E earnings forecast• Availability of vaccine earlier than expected will benefit KBANK loan portfolio• Revise up our earnings growth forecast for 2021E  from 24% to 31% and maintain 2022E and 2023 growth at 8% and 17% respectively to factor in better assumptions on loan growth, interest income and non- interest income• Announced DPS’20 at Bt2.50 (XD 20 Apr, pay on  7 May) and expect Bt4.80 for DPS’21E or 3.3% yield

KBANK: Upgrade TP to Factor in Better Loan Growth Prospect

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)

Thai banks are leveraged to re-opening the country to tourism. They are also leveraged to a newly proposed NPL warehouse scheme.  Where re-opening and NPL warehouse move in tandem, Thai banks can be golden.

Thai banks are leveraged to re-opening the country to tourism. They are also leveraged to a newly proposed NPL warehouse scheme.  Where re-opening and NPL warehouse move in tandem, Thai banks can be golden.

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

<div>The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) will announce the results of the semi-annual review of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/stock-exchange-of-thailand-set-50-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31493:1" rel="noopener">Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX)</a> in mid-June and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 30 June.</div><div>
The review period for market cap calculations runs from 1 March to 31 May, while the liquidity calculations run from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021.
We see three potential changes at the current time with an estimated one-way turnover for the rebalance at 2.19%.
Potential inclusions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sri-trang-gloves-thailand-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29141:1" rel="noopener">Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT TB)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sri-trang-agro-industry-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2759:1" rel="noopener">Sri Trang Agro Industry (STA TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/irpc-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19051:1" rel="noopener">IRPC PCL (IRPC TB)</a>.
Potential deletions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vgi-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12409:1" rel="noopener">VGI PCL (VGI TB)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/com7-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27411:1" rel="noopener">Com7 PCL (COM7 TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toa-paint-thailand-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24235:1" rel="noopener">TOA Paint (Thailand) (TOA TB)</a>.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kerry-express-thailand" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29253:1" rel="noopener">Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB)</a> will not completed six months of trading history by the end of the review period and will not be eligible for inclusion at the June rebalance.
There is a possibility that the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/stock-exchange-of-thailand-set-50-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31493:1" rel="noopener">Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX)</a> methodology is changed to make it a free float weighted market cap index from a full market cap index. That will see a lot of passive flow on some stocks that have a low free float.
</div>

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) will announce the results of the semi-annual review of the Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX) in mid-June and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 30 June.
The review period for market cap calculations runs from 1 March to 31 May, while the liquidity calculations run from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021.
We see three potential changes at the current time with an estimated one-way turnover for the rebalance at 2.19%.
Potential inclusions are Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT TB), Sri Trang Agro Industry (STA TB) and IRPC PCL (IRPC TB).
Potential deletions are VGI PCL (VGI TB), Com7 PCL (COM7 TB) and TOA Paint (Thailand) (TOA TB).
Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB) will not completed six months of trading history by the end of the review period and will not be eligible for inclusion at the June rebalance.
There is a possibility that the Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX) methodology is changed to make it a free float weighted market cap index from a full market cap index. That will see a lot of passive flow on some stocks that have a low free float.


SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: Potentially Three Changes & Move to Free Float Weighting

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 PCL (KBANK TB)

Bank Credit Weekly: Inflation, the Next Market Challenge or Opportunity?

The recent back-up in US rates may be an opportunity to reload in some Emerging Markets. A US inflation spike is the next hurdle. EM High Yield,...

Hank Calenti, CFA

KBANK: Upgrade TP to Factor in Better Loan Growth Prospect

We reiterate our BUY rating with a new target price at Bt169.00 (+13% from previous TP), derived from 0.92x PBV’21E which is higher than Asia-ex...

Pi Securities PCL, Thailand

Thai Banks – Golden

Thai banks are leveraged to a re-opening of the country to tourism and can benefit at the same time from a newly proposed NPL warehouse scheme.

Daniel Tabbush

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

SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: Potentially Three Changes & Move to Free Float Weighting

There could be 3 changes to the SET50 at the June review with STGT, STA & IRPC joining the index at the expense of VGI, TOA & COM7. The methodology...

Brian Freitas

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