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.

Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

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

*Poor Results: BDO Unibank (BDO.PM)[BDO] reported 4Q20 net income of PHP 11.3bn, a PHP 1.0 bn (8.5%) decline linked quarter. Highlighting the linked quarter result we note that loss provisions increased PHP 5.0 bn (360.8%) reflecting the continued breakdown in credit quality;  Credit Risk Rising: Not including the doubling of restructured loans, the level of net new NPLs increased PHP 17.8 bn or 115.8% on an annualized basis which is alarming considering the 67.9% annualized increase at 2Q20.  By our calculation, BDO’s reserves  - at a minimum  - are light in the neighborhood of PHP 66 bn or six quarters of bottom-line results.   This is particularly disturbing as BDO is amongst the most trusted banks in the Philippines and ASEAN, and this certainly calls into question what competitor loan and securities portfolios look like; and *Capital Raise Potential: Assuming that our provision analytics are correct, we find that BDO’s CET1 ratio would decline 13.2% to under 11.0% - raising concerns of a capital raise given BDO’s unrealized losses at hefty restructured loans, BDO Life, decelerating loan growth, narrowing margins, and trading volatility.

*Poor Results: BDO Unibank (BDO.PM)[BDO] reported 4Q20 net income of PHP 11.3bn, a PHP 1.0 bn (8.5%) decline linked quarter. Highlighting the linked quarter result we note that loss provisions increased PHP 5.0 bn (360.8%) reflecting the continued breakdown in credit quality;  Credit Risk Rising: Not including the doubling of restructured loans, the level of net new NPLs increased PHP 17.8 bn or 115.8% on an annualized basis which is alarming considering the 67.9% annualized increase at 2Q20.  By our calculation, BDO’s reserves  - at a minimum  - are light in the neighborhood of PHP 66 bn or six quarters of bottom-line results.   This is particularly disturbing as BDO is amongst the most trusted banks in the Philippines and ASEAN, and this certainly calls into question what competitor loan and securities portfolios look like; and *Capital Raise Potential: Assuming that our provision analytics are correct, we find that BDO’s CET1 ratio would decline 13.2% to under 11.0% - raising concerns of a capital raise given BDO’s unrealized losses at hefty restructured loans, BDO Life, decelerating loan growth, narrowing margins, and trading volatility.

BDO Unibank – With This Level Of Risk, A Capital Raise Can’t Be Too Far Behind

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/standard-chartered-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:193:1" rel="noopener">Standard Chartered's (StanLn)</a> decision to restart its share-buyback program while simultaneously aiming to achieve a 10% Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) is not creditor friendly. The share-buyback is also inconsistent with trying to grow revenues at a cumulative annual growth rate of 5% to 7% over the medium term, as capital constraints may mean missing revenue opportunities. This is at complete odds with <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> wise decision to forgo buybacks through this year. Taken together with management’s plans toward achieving a higher ROTE, this is not credit positive. Pre-Covid-19, Standard Chartered’s problem was excess capacity in a fragmented distribution network. Covid-19 accentuated other weaknesses, including oversized net interest income reliance as well as bancassurance growth sensitivity to border crossing constraints. Underpinned by cost containment difficulties, StanLn is lost at sea, hoping for a return to higher interest rates, open borders, and greater globalization. We are in a world comprised of the exact opposite these days.Within this insight, we review StanLn’s 2020 annual and Q4 results as well as assess the firm’s plans to achieve a higher ROTE over the medium term. Our conclusion is that it is difficult to get excited about Standard Chartered’s US$-denominated Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds. In our view, most of these notes trade right where they belong, if not too dear, relative to other banks. If we had to buy a StanLn bond, we would favor the Singapore-dollar denominated AT1 note, despite the results and targets going forward.

Standard Chartered's (StanLn) decision to restart its share-buyback program while simultaneously aiming to achieve a 10% Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) is not creditor friendly. The share-buyback is also inconsistent with trying to grow revenues at a cumulative annual growth rate of 5% to 7% over the medium term, as capital constraints may mean missing revenue opportunities. This is at complete odds with HSBC Holdings' (HSBA LN) wise decision to forgo buybacks through this year. Taken together with management’s plans toward achieving a higher ROTE, this is not credit positive. Pre-Covid-19, Standard Chartered’s problem was excess capacity in a fragmented distribution network. Covid-19 accentuated other weaknesses, including oversized net interest income reliance as well as bancassurance growth sensitivity to border crossing constraints. Underpinned by cost containment difficulties, StanLn is lost at sea, hoping for a return to higher interest rates, open borders, and greater globalization. We are in a world comprised of the exact opposite these days.Within this insight, we review StanLn’s 2020 annual and Q4 results as well as assess the firm’s plans to achieve a higher ROTE over the medium term. Our conclusion is that it is difficult to get excited about Standard Chartered’s US$-denominated Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds. In our view, most of these notes trade right where they belong, if not too dear, relative to other banks. If we had to buy a StanLn bond, we would favor the Singapore-dollar denominated AT1 note, despite the results and targets going forward.

Standard Chartered Results: Lost at Sea with No Credit Catalyst

*Poor Set Of Results, Which Should Have Been Worse: Standard Chartered Plc (STAN.LN/2888.HK) [STAN] reported 2H20 losses of USD 315 mn, declining USD 1.4 bn (122.5%) HOH as it struggled across the board. Negative operating jaws for STAN are troublesome to say the least, as HOH we note that STAN’s revenues declined USD 1.4 bn (16.0%) whilst expenses increased USD 1.0 bn (20.4%); and*Credit Challenges Are Top Of Mind As Well: STAN had a HOH increase in unmarkable Level 3 assets of (20.1%), and level of net new NPLs during 2H20 amounted to USD 1.0 bn – increasing 23.8% on an annualized basis. By our analysis, STAN should not have cut provisions and instead should have ‘manned-up’and taken an addition USD 4.8 bn in provisions. This is prior to any risk assessment for its increasing level of Level 3 assets. The shortfall represents 10% of stated equity, which begs the question of why it’s paying dividends and buying back shares in this condition.

*Poor Set Of Results, Which Should Have Been Worse: Standard Chartered Plc (STAN.LN/2888.HK) [STAN] reported 2H20 losses of USD 315 mn, declining USD 1.4 bn (122.5%) HOH as it struggled across the board. Negative operating jaws for STAN are troublesome to say the least, as HOH we note that STAN’s revenues declined USD 1.4 bn (16.0%) whilst expenses increased USD 1.0 bn (20.4%); and*Credit Challenges Are Top Of Mind As Well: STAN had a HOH increase in unmarkable Level 3 assets of (20.1%), and level of net new NPLs during 2H20 amounted to USD 1.0 bn – increasing 23.8% on an annualized basis. By our analysis, STAN should not have cut provisions and instead should have ‘manned-up’and taken an addition USD 4.8 bn in provisions. This is prior to any risk assessment for its increasing level of Level 3 assets. The shortfall represents 10% of stated equity, which begs the question of why it’s paying dividends and buying back shares in this condition.     

Hong Kong

Standard Chartered plc is an international banking group operating principally in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.  The Company offers its products and services in the personal, consumer, corporate, institutional and treasury areas.

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Standard Chartered (2888 HK)

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

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

BDO Unibank – With This Level Of Risk, A Capital Raise Can’t Be Too Far Behind

BDO UNIBANK: BDO reported a 4Q20 net income decline of 8.5% linked quarter. The level of net new NPLs increased 116% with reserves light by PHP 66...

Thomas J. Monaco

Standard Chartered Results: Lost at Sea with No Credit Catalyst

StanLn’s need to focus on the E in ROTE is not creditor friendly. Recent results and exposures also do not offer comfort. It is difficult to get...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Standard Chartered - What A Mess

STANDARD CHARTERED: STAN reported 2H20 losses of USD 315 mn, declining 122.5% HOH as it struggled across the board. Negative operating jaws for...

Thomas J. Monaco

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