Senior Bank Analyst - Japanese Banks, Windamee Research

J. Brian Waterhouse

Senior Bank Analyst - Japanese Banks

Windamee Research

Japanese Banks

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>An old investment industry joke has it that long-term investments in equities are usually short-term investments that went wrong.  In the Japanese banking industry, short-term loans are euphemistically called “working capital finance” but, in many instances, act as a substitute for equity capital by being rolled-over or renewed every three to six months on an indefinite basis, as long as the interest continues to be paid on time.  Unlike Western banking practice, there is little to no effort ever made by Japanese banks to have these ‘short-term‘ loans cleaned-up and repaid, thereby minimizing the strain on corporate cash-flow over the longer-term while maximizing the banks’ interest income.</p><p>The arrival of the global COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 created heavy demand for bank finance as companies rushed to secure sufficient cash and lines of credit.  The purpose of this ‘dash for cash’ was to ensure corporate survival and to tide them over what was hoped would be a short period of financial uncertainty. This additional lending was intended to be short-term in nature.  As Japan faces yet another wave of the coronavirus, with emergency declarations in several of her principal cities and more lockdowns just as the postponed 2020 Olympics is scheduled to begin, it is becoming increasingly apparent that some borrowers need not just cash but capital to survive.</p><p>Some banks are reportedly now considering whether to convert some of these ‘short-term’ emergency loans into long-term subordinated loans, thereby marginally improving the interest rate on the loan.  The clear advantage for the borrower would be the removal of any financial pressure to repay the loan any time soon.  For the banks, there might be other less obvious advantages than simply a better interest rate, including an opportunity to maintain potentially future non-performing loans in ongoing performing-loan status, which would obviate the need to set aside additional loan-loss provisions and preserve the banks’ own precious capital.</p><p>Why call a spade a spade when it could also be referred to as a shovel?</p><p>January through mid-March saw an unusually strong rally in bank shares, in line with trends in other global stock markets.  Trees do not grow to Heaven, however, and stock prices do not rise for ever  –  especially Japanese bank stocks, as has once again been proven.  Having passed the ‘marker point’ for the end of perennial bank rallies, namely 15 March (“The Ides of March”), the sector has weakened noticeably over the last month (after peaking on 19 March 2021 at 162.08) with the mega-banks falling close to 10% while other major banks and large regional banks have seen their share prices falling by 15% or more.</p><p>“<em>Caveat Emptor!”</em> (May the Buyer Beware) remains our advice to would-be investors in Japanese bank stocks for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.</p><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/202/916/original/JBanks-2021-0428-TPNBNK+in+2021.jpg?1619500060" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="202916"></figure></section>

An old investment industry joke has it that long-term investments in equities are usually short-term investments that went wrong.  In the Japanese banking industry, short-term loans are euphemistically called “working capital finance” but, in many instances, act as a substitute for equity capital by being rolled-over or renewed every three to six months on an indefinite basis, as long as the interest continues to be paid on time.  Unlike Western banking practice, there is little to no effort ever made by Japanese banks to have these ‘short-term‘ loans cleaned-up and repaid, thereby minimizing the strain on corporate cash-flow over the longer-term while maximizing the banks’ interest income.The arrival of the global COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 created heavy demand for bank finance as companies rushed to secure sufficient cash and lines of credit.  The purpose of this ‘dash for cash’ was to ensure corporate survival and to tide them over what was hoped would be a short period of financial uncertainty. This additional lending was intended to be short-term in nature.  As Japan faces yet another wave of the coronavirus, with emergency declarations in several of her principal cities and more lockdowns just as the postponed 2020 Olympics is scheduled to begin, it is becoming increasingly apparent that some borrowers need not just cash but capital to survive.Some banks are reportedly now considering whether to convert some of these ‘short-term’ emergency loans into long-term subordinated loans, thereby marginally improving the interest rate on the loan.  The clear advantage for the borrower would be the removal of any financial pressure to repay the loan any time soon.  For the banks, there might be other less obvious advantages than simply a better interest rate, including an opportunity to maintain potentially future non-performing loans in ongoing performing-loan status, which would obviate the need to set aside additional loan-loss provisions and preserve the banks’ own precious capital.Why call a spade a spade when it could also be referred to as a shovel?January through mid-March saw an unusually strong rally in bank shares, in line with trends in other global stock markets.  Trees do not grow to Heaven, however, and stock prices do not rise for ever  –  especially Japanese bank stocks, as has once again been proven.  Having passed the ‘marker point’ for the end of perennial bank rallies, namely 15 March (“The Ides of March”), the sector has weakened noticeably over the last month (after peaking on 19 March 2021 at 162.08) with the mega-banks falling close to 10% while other major banks and large regional banks have seen their share prices falling by 15% or more.“Caveat Emptor!” (May the Buyer Beware) remains our advice to would-be investors in Japanese bank stocks for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.

Japanese Banks:  When Spades Become Shovels

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.

<p>Japan’s largest banks have seen steady and strong declines of credit costs during the past few quarters. Their earnings guidance upgrades do not seem to take this into account. Where credit costs remain low like the December 2020 quarter, FY22 earnings can be far stronger. </p>

Japan’s largest banks have seen steady and strong declines of credit costs during the past few quarters. Their earnings guidance upgrades do not seem to take this into account. Where credit costs remain low like the December 2020 quarter, FY22 earnings can be far stronger. 

Japan – Upgrading Earnings, Even Before Credit Costs Bottom

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

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Quantitative Analysis

<div><p>In this Insight, we look at Asian financial pairs that normally trade in a tight band versus each other and are now trading at levels that are close to an extreme, making it likely that there could be a short term reversal. We also recap our earlier ideas and recommend exiting a position where there are gains and the price ratio is near a turning point.</p></div><div><p>These are all large cap financials that trade in excess of US$20m a day, so implementing the strategy should be possible using stock borrow or single stock futures.</p></div><div>
<p>These ideas are based purely off the stock price history and we recommend investors use a fundamental overlay to determine if the price action is reflective of changes in the sector that benefit one company at the expense of the other, or benefit one company more than the other.</p>
<p>Over the last couple of months, our pair trades have returned 2.54% on average.</p>
</div>

In this Insight, we look at Asian financial pairs that normally trade in a tight band versus each other and are now trading at levels that are close to an extreme, making it likely that there could be a short term reversal. We also recap our earlier ideas and recommend exiting a position where there are gains and the price ratio is near a turning point.These are all large cap financials that trade in excess of US$20m a day, so implementing the strategy should be possible using stock borrow or single stock futures.
These ideas are based purely off the stock price history and we recommend investors use a fundamental overlay to determine if the price action is reflective of changes in the sector that benefit one company at the expense of the other, or benefit one company more than the other.
Over the last couple of months, our pair trades have returned 2.54% on average.


IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Equity Capital Markets

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ngern-tid-lor" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31103:1" rel="noopener">Ngern Tid Lor (NTL TB)</a>/TIDLOR is the leading auto-for-cash loan provider in Thailand with a 16% market share as measured by the outstanding vehicle title loans in 2019, according to Oliver Wyman. TIDLOR is an affiliate of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-of-ayudhya-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:136:1" rel="noopener">Bank Of Ayudhya (BAY TB)</a> (Krungsri), which is a strategic member of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mitsubishi-ufj-financial-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:218:1" rel="noopener">Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP)</a>. </p><p>At the IPO price range of THB34.00-36.50, TIDLOR will raise total gross proceeds of THB30.9-33.1 billion ($1.0-1.1 billion). The offer comprises a primary/secondary spilt of 23:77. A total of 32 domestic and foreign cornerstone investors will subscribe for a total of 626.0 million shares or 69.0% of the offer shares. The foreign cornerstone investors include FIL Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management, Lion Global Investors and Neuberger Berman. </p><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ngern-tid-lor-ipo-initiation-finance-on-four-wheels" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:50448" rel="noopener">Ngern Tid Lor IPO Initiation: Finance on Four Wheels</a>, we noted that the timing of the IPO is not ideal as a new COVID-19 outbreak has swept through Thailand. Nevertheless, for investors willing to ride the current market uncertainty, we believe that TIDLOR is well placed to capture the long-term opportunity of Thailand’s vehicle title loan market. Our valuation analysis suggests that TIDLOR is fairly valued at the proposed IPO price range.     </p></div>

Ngern Tid Lor (NTL TB)/TIDLOR is the leading auto-for-cash loan provider in Thailand with a 16% market share as measured by the outstanding vehicle title loans in 2019, according to Oliver Wyman. TIDLOR is an affiliate of Bank Of Ayudhya (BAY TB) (Krungsri), which is a strategic member of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP). At the IPO price range of THB34.00-36.50, TIDLOR will raise total gross proceeds of THB30.9-33.1 billion ($1.0-1.1 billion). The offer comprises a primary/secondary spilt of 23:77. A total of 32 domestic and foreign cornerstone investors will subscribe for a total of 626.0 million shares or 69.0% of the offer shares. The foreign cornerstone investors include FIL Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management, Lion Global Investors and Neuberger Berman. In Ngern Tid Lor IPO Initiation: Finance on Four Wheels, we noted that the timing of the IPO is not ideal as a new COVID-19 outbreak has swept through Thailand. Nevertheless, for investors willing to ride the current market uncertainty, we believe that TIDLOR is well placed to capture the long-term opportunity of Thailand’s vehicle title loan market. Our valuation analysis suggests that TIDLOR is fairly valued at the proposed IPO price range.     

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

<p><strong><em>*Results Materially Supported By Provision Reversals and Principal Transactions: </em></strong>Citigroup (C.US) [Citi] reported 1Q21 bottom-line results of USD 7.6 bn, increasing USD 3.7 bn (89.0%) linked quarter. Citi reversed provisions of USD 2.1 bn - increasing 43.7x versus 4Q20. In addition to the negative provision, Citi’s results were also supported by a USD 2.0 bn (99.7%) increase in principal transaction gains;</p><p><strong><em>*Credit Weaker But Coverage Strong: </em></strong>Net new NPLs came in about 1/3 of the previous quarter’s result came in at USD 635 mn or increasing 48.0% on an annualized basis – still far worse than JPM for the last three consecutive quarters. Citi’s loan loss reserve declined to 422% of NPLs and 325 bp of total loans – but still pretty darn good for the known and potential risk in the loan portfolio; and </p><p><strong><em>*Puzzling EM Exit: </em></strong>Citi also announced strategic changes in the Global Consumer Bank (GCB), where they are exiting 13 markets, of which ten are in Asia-Pacific. As rationale for the move, new CEO Jane Fraser believe that Citi "does not have the scale" to compete in those markets which account for USD 7 bn in allocated equity and USD 70 bn in loans. We await clarity on the potential restructuring costs and the capital release from these divestitures.</p>

*Results Materially Supported By Provision Reversals and Principal Transactions: Citigroup (C.US) [Citi] reported 1Q21 bottom-line results of USD 7.6 bn, increasing USD 3.7 bn (89.0%) linked quarter. Citi reversed provisions of USD 2.1 bn - increasing 43.7x versus 4Q20. In addition to the negative provision, Citi’s results were also supported by a USD 2.0 bn (99.7%) increase in principal transaction gains;*Credit Weaker But Coverage Strong: Net new NPLs came in about 1/3 of the previous quarter’s result came in at USD 635 mn or increasing 48.0% on an annualized basis – still far worse than JPM for the last three consecutive quarters. Citi’s loan loss reserve declined to 422% of NPLs and 325 bp of total loans – but still pretty darn good for the known and potential risk in the loan portfolio; and *Puzzling EM Exit: Citi also announced strategic changes in the Global Consumer Bank (GCB), where they are exiting 13 markets, of which ten are in Asia-Pacific. As rationale for the move, new CEO Jane Fraser believe that Citi "does not have the scale" to compete in those markets which account for USD 7 bn in allocated equity and USD 70 bn in loans. We await clarity on the potential restructuring costs and the capital release from these divestitures.

Japan

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is a holding company established through the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings. As a financial group, the Company provides a variety of financial and investment services including commercial banking, trust banking, international finance, and assets management services.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP)

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Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP)

Japanese Banks: When Spades Become Shovels

As Japan faces yet another coronavirus outbreak, it is increasingly apparent that some borrowers need not just cash but capital to survive. Short...

J. Brian Waterhouse

Japan – Upgrading Earnings, Even Before Credit Costs Bottom

Japan’s largest banks have seen strong declines of credit costs. Their earnings guidance upgrades do not seem to take this into account. FY22 can...

Daniel Tabbush

Pair Trading Ideas - Asian Financials

We highlight potential trades among liquid large cap Asian financial stocks that are correlated and exhibit mean reversion. We recommend closing...

Brian Freitas

Ngern Tid Lor IPO: Valuation Insights

At the IPO price range of THB34.00-36.50, TIDLOR will raise total gross proceeds of $1.0-1.1 billion. Our valuation analysis suggests that TIDLOR...

Arun George

Citigroup – Shifting Winds

CITIGROUP: Citi reported a QOQ 1Q21 bottom-line result increase of 89.0% due to provision reversals and principal transactions. Net new NPLs...

Thomas J. Monaco

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