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

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Event-Driven

<p>On 22 December 2020 post market close, Hang Seng Indexes (HSIL) released the consultation paper on the "Proposal to enhance the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-hang-seng-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22899:1" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX)</a> as regards continuing to serve as the most representative and important benchmark of the Hong Kong stock market". Market participants had until 24 January to submit their views to HSIL.</p><p>HSIL are scheduled to announce the changes to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-hang-seng-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22899:1" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX)</a> as a part of the March review on 26 February. There is a high probability that the conclusions of the market consultation will be announced on the same day.</p><p>Given some large new listings since then and the price movements on the stocks, we refresh our list of potential inclusions and exclusions assuming that HSIL go up to 65 names or 80 names.</p><p>In both cases, the turnover is very high in percentage terms and in dollar terms. HSIL will need to implement the changes over 1 year.</p><p>We continue to believe that the market will probably be fine with increasing the number of constituents to 65, but will likely balk at going up to 80 in one shot.</p><p>Financials would see the largest decrease in weight, offset by gains in Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Properties, Healthcare, Consumer Staples and Utilities.</p>

On 22 December 2020 post market close, Hang Seng Indexes (HSIL) released the consultation paper on the "Proposal to enhance the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) as regards continuing to serve as the most representative and important benchmark of the Hong Kong stock market". Market participants had until 24 January to submit their views to HSIL.HSIL are scheduled to announce the changes to the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) as a part of the March review on 26 February. There is a high probability that the conclusions of the market consultation will be announced on the same day.Given some large new listings since then and the price movements on the stocks, we refresh our list of potential inclusions and exclusions assuming that HSIL go up to 65 names or 80 names.In both cases, the turnover is very high in percentage terms and in dollar terms. HSIL will need to implement the changes over 1 year.We continue to believe that the market will probably be fine with increasing the number of constituents to 65, but will likely balk at going up to 80 in one shot.Financials would see the largest decrease in weight, offset by gains in Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Properties, Healthcare, Consumer Staples and Utilities.

HSI Market Consultation - Name Changes as We Await the Conclusions

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Equity Bottom-Up

Cathay Pacific Airways / Equity Bottom-Up

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<p>After Hong Kong's government planned to impose a 14-day quarantine and seven-day medical surveillance on all aircrew, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cathay-pacific-airways-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:243:1" rel="noopener">Cathay Pacific Airways (293 HK)</a> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0125/2021012500513.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it would have a "<em>significant impact on our ability to service our passenger and cargo markets</em>" and would add <em>"a further increase in our cash burn of approximately HK$300-$400 million per month</em>".</p>
<p>In effect, the uptick in cost from these new quarantine measures negates the cost savings from the cessation of Cathay Dragon announced last October.</p>
<p>Cathay has now <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0128/2021012800096.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the issuance of a HK$6.74bn 2.75% convertible bond due 2026.</p>
<p>The conversion price is HK$8.57/share, a 30% premium to the last close of HK$6.59/share. Assuming full conversion, these shares represent 10.89% of shares out on a fully diluted basis.</p>
<p>Upon conversion, together with the exercise of warrants held by the Hong Kong government, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/swire-pacific-ltd-cl-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10433:1" rel="noopener">Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/air-china-ltd-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8239:1" rel="noopener">Air China Ltd (H) (753 HK)</a>'s effective stakes would decline to 37.91% and 25.27% respectively from 45.00% and 29.99% currently. </p>
<p>Cathay's shares are up 25% in the past three months - before this latest fund-raising proposal - in line with a basket of peers of 28%. Year-on-year, Cathay is down 33%, bang in line with its peer basket.</p>
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<p>Separately <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/swire-pacific-ltd-cl-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10433:1" rel="noopener">Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)</a>'s discount to NAV has narrowed to 43% from a low of 55% last November.</p>
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<p>As always, more below the fold.</p>
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After Hong Kong's government planned to impose a 14-day quarantine and seven-day medical surveillance on all aircrew, Cathay Pacific Airways (293 HK) announced it would have a "significant impact on our ability to service our passenger and cargo markets" and would add "a further increase in our cash burn of approximately HK$300-$400 million per month".
In effect, the uptick in cost from these new quarantine measures negates the cost savings from the cessation of Cathay Dragon announced last October.
Cathay has now announced the issuance of a HK$6.74bn 2.75% convertible bond due 2026.
The conversion price is HK$8.57/share, a 30% premium to the last close of HK$6.59/share. Assuming full conversion, these shares represent 10.89% of shares out on a fully diluted basis.
Upon conversion, together with the exercise of warrants held by the Hong Kong government, Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK) and Air China Ltd (H) (753 HK)'s effective stakes would decline to 37.91% and 25.27% respectively from 45.00% and 29.99% currently. 
Cathay's shares are up 25% in the past three months - before this latest fund-raising proposal - in line with a basket of peers of 28%. Year-on-year, Cathay is down 33%, bang in line with its peer basket.


Separately Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)'s discount to NAV has narrowed to 43% from a low of 55% last November.


As always, more below the fold.


Cathay Pacific (293 HK): Back To Terminal

Melco International Development / Event-Driven

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<p>This week in StubWorld ...</p>
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<p>Encouraging data about a potential coronavirus vaccine from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pfizer-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1131:1" rel="noopener">Pfizer Inc (PFE US)</a> gives a boost to Nevada-gaming stocks, which now trade "rich" to their Macau gaming holdings.</p>
<p>Conversely, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/melco-international-development-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:809:1" rel="noopener">Melco International Development (200 HK)</a> is trading cheap to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/melco-crown-entertainme-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:810:1" rel="noopener">Melco Resorts &amp; Entertainment (MLCO US)</a>, as Lawrence Ho continues to add to his holding - plus there are large movements in CCASS.</p>
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<p>Preceding my comments on Melco and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/swire-pacific-ltd-cl-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10433:1" rel="noopener">Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)</a>  are the weekly setup/unwind tables for Asia-Pacific Holdcos.</p>
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<p>These relationships trade with a minimum liquidity threshold of US$1mn on a 90-day moving average, and a % market capitalisation threshold - the $ value of the holding/opco held, over the parent’s market capitalisation, expressed in percent - of at least 20%.</p>
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This week in StubWorld ...



Encouraging data about a potential coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer Inc (PFE US) gives a boost to Nevada-gaming stocks, which now trade "rich" to their Macau gaming holdings.
Conversely, Melco International Development (200 HK) is trading cheap to Melco Resorts &amp; Entertainment (MLCO US), as Lawrence Ho continues to add to his holding - plus there are large movements in CCASS.



Preceding my comments on Melco and Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)  are the weekly setup/unwind tables for Asia-Pacific Holdcos.




These relationships trade with a minimum liquidity threshold of US$1mn on a 90-day moving average, and a % market capitalisation threshold - the $ value of the holding/opco held, over the parent’s market capitalisation, expressed in percent - of at least 20%.




StubWorld: A Shot In The Arm For Gaming Stocks

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<p>A Double Dose of StubWorld this week...</p>
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<p>After fourteen consecutive months of total leased office space declining, major Hong Kong property-owners have scant alternatives but to negotiate leases. And like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/swire-properties-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5775:1" rel="noopener">Swire Properties (1972 HK)</a>, sell non-core assets.</p>
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<p>Preceding my comments on Swire are the weekly setup/unwind tables for Asia-Pacific Holdcos.</p>
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<p>These relationships trade with a minimum liquidity threshold of US$1mn on a 90-day moving average, and a % market capitalisation threshold - the $ value of the holding/opco held, over the parent’s market capitalisation, expressed in percent - of at least 20%.</p>
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A Double Dose of StubWorld this week...



After fourteen consecutive months of total leased office space declining, major Hong Kong property-owners have scant alternatives but to negotiate leases. And like Swire Properties (1972 HK), sell non-core assets.



Preceding my comments on Swire are the weekly setup/unwind tables for Asia-Pacific Holdcos.





These relationships trade with a minimum liquidity threshold of US$1mn on a 90-day moving average, and a % market capitalisation threshold - the $ value of the holding/opco held, over the parent’s market capitalisation, expressed in percent - of at least 20%.




StubWorld: Swire Shedding Property Amidst Leasing Funk

<p>On the 9 June, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cathay-pacific-airways-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:243:1" rel="noopener">Cathay Pacific Airways (293 HK)</a> disclosed in its massive recapitalisation proposal <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0609/2020060900356.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcement</a>, that:</p>
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<p>By the fourth quarter of 2020, Cathay Pacific’s management team will recommend to the Board the optimum size and shape of the Cathay Pacific Group to meet the air travel needs of Hong Kong while keeping Cathay Pacific’s financial status at a healthy level and meeting its responsibilities to Shareholder - <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/0609/2020060900356.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">page 6</a></p>
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<p>This morning, Cathay <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2020/1021/2020102100213.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> its board had approved the following restructuring plan:</p>
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<li>Its wholly-owned Cathay Dragon, will cease its operations with effect from today. It is intended that regulatory approval will be sought for a majority of Cathay Dragon’s routes to be operated by the Company and wholly-owned subsidiary low-cost carrier, Hong Kong Express Airways.</li>
<li>Approximately 8,500 positions across the Cathay Pacific Group (including Cathay Dragon) will be eliminated, accounting for around 24% of the Cathay Pacific Group’s headcount of 35,000.</li>
<li>Hong Kong-based cabin and cockpit crew of Cathay Pacific will be asked to agree to changes in their conditions of service which are designed, inter alia, to match remuneration more closely to productivity and to enhance market competitiveness.</li>
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<p>This restructuring will cost HK$2.2bn, to be funded internally. </p>
<p>Cathay is still running at a HK$1.5-HK$2bn/monthly loss. This restructuring is expected to save HK$500mn/month once fully implemented in 2021.</p>
<p>Separately <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/swire-pacific-ltd-cl-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10433:1" rel="noopener">Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)</a>'s discount to NAV appears to have met support at around the current NAV discount.</p>
<p>As always, more below the fold.</p>

On the 9 June, Cathay Pacific Airways (293 HK) disclosed in its massive recapitalisation proposal announcement, that:

By the fourth quarter of 2020, Cathay Pacific’s management team will recommend to the Board the optimum size and shape of the Cathay Pacific Group to meet the air travel needs of Hong Kong while keeping Cathay Pacific’s financial status at a healthy level and meeting its responsibilities to Shareholder - page 6

This morning, Cathay announced its board had approved the following restructuring plan:

Its wholly-owned Cathay Dragon, will cease its operations with effect from today. It is intended that regulatory approval will be sought for a majority of Cathay Dragon’s routes to be operated by the Company and wholly-owned subsidiary low-cost carrier, Hong Kong Express Airways.
Approximately 8,500 positions across the Cathay Pacific Group (including Cathay Dragon) will be eliminated, accounting for around 24% of the Cathay Pacific Group’s headcount of 35,000.
Hong Kong-based cabin and cockpit crew of Cathay Pacific will be asked to agree to changes in their conditions of service which are designed, inter alia, to match remuneration more closely to productivity and to enhance market competitiveness.

This restructuring will cost HK$2.2bn, to be funded internally. 
Cathay is still running at a HK$1.5-HK$2bn/monthly loss. This restructuring is expected to save HK$500mn/month once fully implemented in 2021.
Separately Swire Pacific (A) (19 HK)'s discount to NAV appears to have met support at around the current NAV discount.
As always, more below the fold.

Hong Kong

Swire Properties Limited develops and manages commercial, retail, and residential properties. The Company's investment portfolio includes office and retail premises, and serviced apartments and other residential accommodation.

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Swire Properties (1972 HK)

HSI Market Consultation - Name Changes as We Await the Conclusions

The conclusions of the HSI market consultation could be announced on 26 Feb along with the March review. Given recent large listings and price...

Brian Freitas

Cathay Pacific (293 HK): Back To Terminal

Vaccine rollout and a hard turnaround in global tourism/air travel appear highly optimistic. I think Cathay has further to fall from here.

David Blennerhassett

StubWorld: A Shot In The Arm For Gaming Stocks

Melco International Development (200 HK) is trading cheap to Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MLCO US), as Lawrence Ho continues to add to his...

David Blennerhassett

StubWorld: Swire Shedding Property Amidst Leasing Funk

After fourteen consecutive months of total leased office space declining, major Hong Kong property-owners have scant alternatives but to negotiate...

David Blennerhassett

Cathay Pacific: Exit The Dragon

With passenger travel unlikely to return to pre-COVID-19 levels until 2024, the inevitable staff cut is announced, together with the cessation of...

David Blennerhassett

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