Category

India

Brief India: NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers
  2. UK Trip – Wake up to Deflation Risk

1. NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers

Picture1

NextDecade Corp (NEXT US) recently announced that it started offering long-term contracts indexed to the crude Brent in order to attract more LNG buyers. This follows the agreement reached by Tellurian Inc (TELL US) with Vitol back in December to index a long term contract with the Asian LNG price benchmark JKM. While typically US LNG projects are indexed to the Henry Hub, declining crude oil and LNG prices seem to have diminished the appeal of the Henry Hub pricing compared to the oil indexation. This insight takes a look at the latest trends in the LNG markets to assess which companies are taking the lead in the race to bring to FID in 2019 their proposed LNG projects.

Exhibit 1: NextDecade adds Brent indexation to its commercial offering

Source: NextDecade Corporate Presentation February 2019

 

2. UK Trip – Wake up to Deflation Risk

By Bo Zhuang, Chief China Economist

  • London-based investors are turning cautiously optimistic on China’s growth outlook amid the latest easing measures in January
  • There is still little awareness about the rising deflation risk
  • Interest in the trade war has subsided

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Brief India: NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers
  2. UK Trip – Wake up to Deflation Risk
  3. Silent Alarm: Promoters Flock To Pledge Shares

1. NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers

Picture1

NextDecade Corp (NEXT US) recently announced that it started offering long-term contracts indexed to the crude Brent in order to attract more LNG buyers. This follows the agreement reached by Tellurian Inc (TELL US) with Vitol back in December to index a long term contract with the Asian LNG price benchmark JKM. While typically US LNG projects are indexed to the Henry Hub, declining crude oil and LNG prices seem to have diminished the appeal of the Henry Hub pricing compared to the oil indexation. This insight takes a look at the latest trends in the LNG markets to assess which companies are taking the lead in the race to bring to FID in 2019 their proposed LNG projects.

Exhibit 1: NextDecade adds Brent indexation to its commercial offering

Source: NextDecade Corporate Presentation February 2019

 

2. UK Trip – Wake up to Deflation Risk

By Bo Zhuang, Chief China Economist

  • London-based investors are turning cautiously optimistic on China’s growth outlook amid the latest easing measures in January
  • There is still little awareness about the rising deflation risk
  • Interest in the trade war has subsided

3. Silent Alarm: Promoters Flock To Pledge Shares

In 2009, when Satyam Computers case unraveled it was revealed that a large portion of promoter shares were pledged with lenders and a substantial portion of that was sold by lenders. Responding to the situation then the Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) asked all the listed companies in the country to make disclosures on shares pledged by promoters within seven days and also amended the relevant regulations for the same.

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Brief India: NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers
  2. UK Trip – Wake up to Deflation Risk
  3. Silent Alarm: Promoters Flock To Pledge Shares
  4. Confluence of Politics – China Bans Australian Coal Imports (Flash Note)

1. NextDecade’s Oil-Linked Contract Offering Signals More Hurdles Ahead for US LNG Project Developers

Picture1

NextDecade Corp (NEXT US) recently announced that it started offering long-term contracts indexed to the crude Brent in order to attract more LNG buyers. This follows the agreement reached by Tellurian Inc (TELL US) with Vitol back in December to index a long term contract with the Asian LNG price benchmark JKM. While typically US LNG projects are indexed to the Henry Hub, declining crude oil and LNG prices seem to have diminished the appeal of the Henry Hub pricing compared to the oil indexation. This insight takes a look at the latest trends in the LNG markets to assess which companies are taking the lead in the race to bring to FID in 2019 their proposed LNG projects.

Exhibit 1: NextDecade adds Brent indexation to its commercial offering

Source: NextDecade Corporate Presentation February 2019

 

2. UK Trip – Wake up to Deflation Risk

By Bo Zhuang, Chief China Economist

  • London-based investors are turning cautiously optimistic on China’s growth outlook amid the latest easing measures in January
  • There is still little awareness about the rising deflation risk
  • Interest in the trade war has subsided

3. Silent Alarm: Promoters Flock To Pledge Shares

In 2009, when Satyam Computers case unraveled it was revealed that a large portion of promoter shares were pledged with lenders and a substantial portion of that was sold by lenders. Responding to the situation then the Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) asked all the listed companies in the country to make disclosures on shares pledged by promoters within seven days and also amended the relevant regulations for the same.

4. Confluence of Politics – China Bans Australian Coal Imports (Flash Note)

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  • China implements coal import caps specifically targeting Australian producers
  • Unclear as to how widespread these restrictions will eventually be
  • Thermal and metallurgical coal exports affected
  • Impacting ~A$8.4Bn of metallurgical coal exports; or 4.4% of national income
  • Thermal coal exports affected worth ~A$3.8Bn; or an additional 2% of national income
  • Collectively, thermal and metallurgical exports equate to ~0.9% of Australian annual GDP 
  • Actions appear to be a response to blocking Huawei bidding for the 5G network
  • Recent Chinese cyber-attacks harden Australian Government’s resolve
  • Expect similar Chinese measures (in time) to be applied to other commodities and industries

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Brief India: Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround? and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?
  2. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance

1. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?

Plans regarding Samsung and Huawei’s foldable smartphones are out. The companies, which happen to be two of the largest contenders in the smartphone landscape are expected to unveil their foldable smartphone prototypes this month. In 4Q2018, Samsung, coming in first place, held a market share of 18.7% while Huawei, in third place, held a market share of 16.1%. Both companies are following different strategies when it comes to their foldable phone models.

The concept of foldable phones revolves around devices that can be folded into the size of a smartphone or opened up in to the size of a tablet. Huawei is said to be planning to introduce their foldable smartphone with 5G compatibility while Samsung is planning to release their foldable model with 4G compatibility. The market leader aims to leverage the expertise it has gained on its display technologies in its foldable smartphones.

2. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance

Capture

We have recently written a report on Housing Finance Industry (please click here) where we delved on the outlook of the industry that has witnessed significant support from the government as it opened up the funding stream for the NBFC sector including HFCs who in the past relied heavily on banks. In addition, the government has also focussed on improving the housing demand through reforms like RERA, Housing For All etc. that has helped revive sales in the recent quarters.

We concluded the report by saying that the forthcoming articles in the form of a series will elaborate on some HFCs that are likely to be the key beneficiaries of an expected revival of the residential real estate. These HFCs have shown high corporate governance standard and their asset quality has not been compromised for growth. And this could be ascertained by the highest credit rating of AAA awarded to these HFCs by the noted credit rating agencies in India.

In continuation of the series, this article provides detail on Lic Housing Finance (LICHF IN) , the second largest HFC in the country. The company has witnessed robust growth in the past with an asset quality that is among the best in class. We initiate coverage on the company through this report that would delve on the outlook of the company along with some glaring risks that have lately emerged and may likely have an impact on the asset quality going forward.

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

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Brief India: Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround? and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?
  2. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance
  3. India: Outlook on Capex Recovery Continues to Brighten

1. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?

Plans regarding Samsung and Huawei’s foldable smartphones are out. The companies, which happen to be two of the largest contenders in the smartphone landscape are expected to unveil their foldable smartphone prototypes this month. In 4Q2018, Samsung, coming in first place, held a market share of 18.7% while Huawei, in third place, held a market share of 16.1%. Both companies are following different strategies when it comes to their foldable phone models.

The concept of foldable phones revolves around devices that can be folded into the size of a smartphone or opened up in to the size of a tablet. Huawei is said to be planning to introduce their foldable smartphone with 5G compatibility while Samsung is planning to release their foldable model with 4G compatibility. The market leader aims to leverage the expertise it has gained on its display technologies in its foldable smartphones.

2. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance

Capture

We have recently written a report on Housing Finance Industry (please click here) where we delved on the outlook of the industry that has witnessed significant support from the government as it opened up the funding stream for the NBFC sector including HFCs who in the past relied heavily on banks. In addition, the government has also focussed on improving the housing demand through reforms like RERA, Housing For All etc. that has helped revive sales in the recent quarters.

We concluded the report by saying that the forthcoming articles in the form of a series will elaborate on some HFCs that are likely to be the key beneficiaries of an expected revival of the residential real estate. These HFCs have shown high corporate governance standard and their asset quality has not been compromised for growth. And this could be ascertained by the highest credit rating of AAA awarded to these HFCs by the noted credit rating agencies in India.

In continuation of the series, this article provides detail on Lic Housing Finance (LICHF IN) , the second largest HFC in the country. The company has witnessed robust growth in the past with an asset quality that is among the best in class. We initiate coverage on the company through this report that would delve on the outlook of the company along with some glaring risks that have lately emerged and may likely have an impact on the asset quality going forward.

3. India: Outlook on Capex Recovery Continues to Brighten

Capex2

As per the CSO, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) has grown above nominal GDP for 4 consecutive quarters now (latest data for September quarter). This, after GFCF grew slower than nominal GDP in 20 of the preceding 21 quarters. Capex cycle is thus picking up. And there are good reasons to expect this continue in the foreseeable future. Capacity utilisation is increasing in a broad-based manner. Liquidity conditions have improved, and cost of capital is likely to fall. Corporate profit cycle is no longer a headwind, although it is not yet a strong tailwind. The nascent signs of a recovery in the capex cycle are thus likely to get stronger in the months ahead.

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

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Brief India: Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround? and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?
  2. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance
  3. India: Outlook on Capex Recovery Continues to Brighten
  4. Gold: Dovish Central Banks May Sustain Rally; Closing Our GLD Short

1. Foldable Smartphones to Debut in 2019; Will It Aid an Industry Turnaround?

Plans regarding Samsung and Huawei’s foldable smartphones are out. The companies, which happen to be two of the largest contenders in the smartphone landscape are expected to unveil their foldable smartphone prototypes this month. In 4Q2018, Samsung, coming in first place, held a market share of 18.7% while Huawei, in third place, held a market share of 16.1%. Both companies are following different strategies when it comes to their foldable phone models.

The concept of foldable phones revolves around devices that can be folded into the size of a smartphone or opened up in to the size of a tablet. Huawei is said to be planning to introduce their foldable smartphone with 5G compatibility while Samsung is planning to release their foldable model with 4G compatibility. The market leader aims to leverage the expertise it has gained on its display technologies in its foldable smartphones.

2. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance

Capture

We have recently written a report on Housing Finance Industry (please click here) where we delved on the outlook of the industry that has witnessed significant support from the government as it opened up the funding stream for the NBFC sector including HFCs who in the past relied heavily on banks. In addition, the government has also focussed on improving the housing demand through reforms like RERA, Housing For All etc. that has helped revive sales in the recent quarters.

We concluded the report by saying that the forthcoming articles in the form of a series will elaborate on some HFCs that are likely to be the key beneficiaries of an expected revival of the residential real estate. These HFCs have shown high corporate governance standard and their asset quality has not been compromised for growth. And this could be ascertained by the highest credit rating of AAA awarded to these HFCs by the noted credit rating agencies in India.

In continuation of the series, this article provides detail on Lic Housing Finance (LICHF IN) , the second largest HFC in the country. The company has witnessed robust growth in the past with an asset quality that is among the best in class. We initiate coverage on the company through this report that would delve on the outlook of the company along with some glaring risks that have lately emerged and may likely have an impact on the asset quality going forward.

3. India: Outlook on Capex Recovery Continues to Brighten

Capex2

As per the CSO, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) has grown above nominal GDP for 4 consecutive quarters now (latest data for September quarter). This, after GFCF grew slower than nominal GDP in 20 of the preceding 21 quarters. Capex cycle is thus picking up. And there are good reasons to expect this continue in the foreseeable future. Capacity utilisation is increasing in a broad-based manner. Liquidity conditions have improved, and cost of capital is likely to fall. Corporate profit cycle is no longer a headwind, although it is not yet a strong tailwind. The nascent signs of a recovery in the capex cycle are thus likely to get stronger in the months ahead.

4. Gold: Dovish Central Banks May Sustain Rally; Closing Our GLD Short

Golda

Central banks around the world have signaled their willingness to return back to the Easy Money Playbook in their quest to re-stimulate economic growth and inflation. This significant shift in market expectations has been the key factor driving the recent rally in Gold (GOLD COMDTY) prices, and it appears to have legs.  As such, we are closing our Spdr Gold Shares (GLD US) short.

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Brief India: Gold May Rise on Lower Real Ylds; Canada Leads Fall in Real Ylds; Aust Inflation Expectations Slump and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. Gold May Rise on Lower Real Ylds; Canada Leads Fall in Real Ylds; Aust Inflation Expectations Slump
  2. RRG Weekly – Fed Highlights Headwinds – Greece Greases Growth – Thai Election Sun Too Close to Call
  3. India Monthly Report Feb’19 – Mar’19
  4. HDFC Ltd- It Deserves Its Premium Valuation Tag
  5. India: Modi’s Charisma Set to Overcome the Headwinds of Incumbency and Electoral Pacts

1. Gold May Rise on Lower Real Ylds; Canada Leads Fall in Real Ylds; Aust Inflation Expectations Slump

  • The broad decline in global bond yields and curve flattening suggest that the market has become more concerned about weak global economic growth.
  • The fall in yields is at odds with the rise in equity and commodity prices this year, but the later may have lost upward momentum.
  • Safe haven currencies, gold and JPY, have strengthened this week and are likely to perform well if yields remain low.
  • US real yields have fallen more than nominal yields this year, with a partial recovery in inflation expectations from their fall in Q4 last year. Lower real yields point to weaker fundamental support for the USD, and further support safe havens like gold.
  • Canadian real long term yields have fallen more abruptly than in the USA, into negative territory, suggesting the outlook for the Canadian economy has deteriorated more than most. This may relate to concern over a peaking in the Canadian housing market. The fall in real yields suggests further downside risk for the CAD.
  • Long term inflation breakevens have fallen in Australia sharply since September last year to now well below the RBA’s 2.5% inflation target.
  • Australian leading indicators of the labour market have turned lower, albeit from solid levels, and may be enough, combined with broader evidence of weaker growth, for the RBA to announce an easing bias as soon as April.
  • Asian trade data and flash PMI data for major countries point to ongoing and significant weakness in global trade.

2. RRG Weekly – Fed Highlights Headwinds – Greece Greases Growth – Thai Election Sun Too Close to Call

  • US: Fed Sees Tailwinds from Global Growth Shifting to Headwinds from China and Europe.
  • Greece: Growth supported by ‘Golden Visa’ (5-year visa for investing 250,000 Euro) and strong tourism arrivals. 2.3% GDP in 2020.
  • Thailand: Sunday election between Shinawatra-linked Pheu Thai Party and military backed Palang Pracharat Party. Too close to call.
  • Brazil: Former Brazilian President Michel Temer has been arrested in São Paulo as part of the Car Wash corruption investigation. Brazil stocks fell on the news.

3. India Monthly Report Feb’19 – Mar’19

Cpi%20feb'19

Indian indices were the least performing among the select global indices with S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 generating returns of negative 1.65% and negative 0.81% in domestic terms respectively. In Dollar terms, they fell by 0.81% and 0.09% respectively. Indian Rupee witnessed an appreciation of 0.85% during the period and has risen from 71.44 USD/ INR to 70.84 USD/ INR. Among the select indices, Dow Jones was the best performer with dollar returns of 3.4%.

Performance of Select Indices during Feb’19
IndexReturns in Domestic Currency Returns in USD
S&P BSE SENSEX-1.65%-0.81%
NIFTY 50-0.93%-0.09%
Nikkei 2252.87%1.17%
Dow Jones Industrial Average3.40%3.40%
HANG SENG2.51%2.49%
FTSE 1000.78%2.22%

Among the sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the highest gainer with a 17.56% return in domestic terms and 18.56% in USD terms. The worst performer has been Nifty PSU Banks with a decrease of 5.82% in domestic terms and 5.02% in USD terms.

Performance of Indian Sectoral Indices in USD 
INR Returns
USD Returns
NIFTY MEDIA
17.56%
18.56%
NIFTY METAL
1.99%
2.85%
NIFTY IT
0.05%
0.90%
NIFTY REALTY
-0.50%
0.35%
NIFTY PVT BANK
-0.59%
0.26%
NIFTY PHARMA
-0.94%
-0.10%
NIFTY AUTO
-1.02%
-0.18%
NIFTY BANK
-1.09%
-0.25%
NIFTY FIN SERVICE
-2.04%
-1.20%
NIFTY FMCG
-3.10%
-2.28%
NIFTY PSU BANK
-5.82%
-5.02%

4. HDFC Ltd- It Deserves Its Premium Valuation Tag

Share%20of%20profits%20from%20associates

In continuation of the Housing Finance Series (pleas click here and here for the earlier articles), this article provides a detail on HDFC, the largest Housing Finance Company (HFC) in the country. The company has a market share of 38% in the private sector. It is a AAA rated  with one of the best asset quality among its peers.

The key strength of HDFC is its ability to generate low cost funds from multiple sources that helps in maintaining its spread irrespective of the interest rate cycles.

Given a long term secular trend of the housing industry in India, we expect HDFC to remain a key beneficiary. A strong corporate governance standard, high management quality and a robust risk management may help in sustaining the return ratios as well as the asset quality that are among the best in class.

5. India: Modi’s Charisma Set to Overcome the Headwinds of Incumbency and Electoral Pacts

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If the election were to be held at the end of last week, we estimate that the BJP would have won just 213 seats, and the NDA it leads 265 — falling 7 seats short of a majority. Electoral alliances — particularly the fact that the BJP faces a less-fragmented opposition this time than in 2014 in UP, Karnataka, Bihar and Jharkhand — would ensure that. But the quality of party campaigns, and the performance of an incumbent government, also have major impacts on India’s electoral outcomes.

With the election campaign underway, there have already been a stream of defections from other parties to the BJP, indicating that the “wind” is blowing the BJP’s way, and this is likely to be another “wave” election (like those in 1977, 1980, 1984 and 2014).  The Modi government has not only made India the fastest-growing economy in the G20, CPI inflation has averaged 4.5% in the past 5 years (versus over 10% in the previous 5), the poor have near-universal access to cooking-gas, bank accounts and toilets (3 crucial necessities that were denied to more than half of Indians until 2014!) and the rupee is stronger now than 5 years ago (having suffered two currency crises during the UPA2 regime). Plus India has made significant gains on national security and the fight against terrorism. We expect that the NDA will gain another 50-60 seats (over our baseline scenario) in UP, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Rajasthan during the election campaign, ensuring a very comfortable majority of 315-325 seats for the ruling alliance. 

When combined with the fact that the NDA will also have a working majority in the Rajya Sabha, we expect the next one year to be characterized by very substantive legislation, including a thorough liberalisation of the labour market — ensuring greater flexibility for the organized sector, but substantially better protections for workers in the unorganized sector. This should transform India’s economic prospects over the next five years, ensuring a manufacturing revolution that takes real GDP to a 10% annual growth handle over the next 5 years. Both the Indian rupee and equity markets have begun to price in such an outcome this week. We would Buy India despite the challenging valuations!  

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Brief India: Indian Mobile – ARPUs Inflect as the Worst May Be over for Bharti, Although Not for Vodafone IDEA and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. Indian Mobile – ARPUs Inflect as the Worst May Be over for Bharti, Although Not for Vodafone IDEA
  2. Jain Irrigation: From Up Close The Crop Doesn’t Look Healthy
  3. RBI Says Kotak Tried to “Take It for a Ride”: Shareholders Should Expect the Consequences
  4. Starboard Value. The Game Changing Activist Investor That Doesn’t Take No For An Answer.
  5. RBI Credibility at Stake

1. Indian Mobile – ARPUs Inflect as the Worst May Be over for Bharti, Although Not for Vodafone IDEA

India%20sr%20share

Chris Hoare sees increasing signs that the worst is over, at least for Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN). ARPUs and therefore revenues are bottoming. The 3Q numbers were the first quarter where the market as a whole grew sequentially (+2.5% QoQ) since Jio launched. We expect profits to follow. Signs of stabilization are much clearer for Bharti, as the performance gap vs Vodafone Idea (IDEA IN) remains wide. Both Bharti and IDEA are raising around $3.5bn of new equity. However, as we wrote previously, we do not think this is enough for Vodafone IDEA and expect the company to continue to lose market share. By contrast, Bharti’s capital increase puts the company in a strong position going forward and allows investors to fully discount extreme stress scenarios.

2. Jain Irrigation: From Up Close The Crop Doesn’t Look Healthy

Capture

Notwithstanding, the revenue growth Jain Irrigation Systems (JI IN) (JISL) seems to be lacking efficiency in utilization of fixed assets. The sale of stake in a subsidiary company raises eyebrow. Another bug that should bother JISL is the quality of its earnings. This impairs any positive forecast on operating profit. The situation becomes sticky when the issues of free cash flow, performance of subsidiaries and threat to goodwill are thrown in the matrix. 

3. RBI Says Kotak Tried to “Take It for a Ride”: Shareholders Should Expect the Consequences

Kmb%20major%20public%20shareholders

The language used in the writ petition filed by Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) in Bombay High Court against the banking regulator should have alarmed shareholders. They would be even more apprehensive if they read the language used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its reply. That a bank should take the regulator to court and publicly challenge its authority in order to prevent a dilution in its founders’ shareholding is itself telling of the founder-CEO’s excessive influence on the board. The harsh, critical language used by the RBI in its court filing (“wilful misrepresentation”, “mala fide intent” taking the regulator “for a ride”) indicates its extreme displeasure with the bank, and the troubles that await the bank if the High Court rules in the regulator’s favour. In such an event, the RBI would probably demand a restructuring of the KMB’s board of directors, and may even force the removal of the founder as a CEO. 

4. Starboard Value. The Game Changing Activist Investor That Doesn’t Take No For An Answer.

Screen%20shot%202019 03 20%20at%2012.55.14%20pm

New York based activist investor firm Starboard Value has been intricately involved in shaping the  fortunes and futures of two high profile technology companies in recent years, Marvell and Mellanox. The firm first to prominence some five years ago when they were the first among their peers to accomplish the extraordinary feat of replacing the CEO and entire board of Fortune 500 restaurant group Darden, while holding less than 10% of the company’s shares.

In the wake of their Darden coup, the firm has gone from strength to strength. To date the firm has taken positions in a total of 105 publicly listed companies, replacing or adding some 211 directors on over 60 corporate boards.

On March 7’th 2019, Starboard Value announced the acquisition of a 4% stake in US comms infrastructure firm Zayo. In the intervening period, Zayo’s share price has risen by 14% as canny investors scramble to partake in the goodness that will surely be extracted by the activist firm that simply doesn’t take no for an answer. 

5. RBI Credibility at Stake

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By Shumita Deveshwar, Director, India research

The Reserve Bank of India’s approval of an interim dividend to the government from its surplus reserves is yet another example of the central bank conforming to the government’s wishes under the leadership of Governor Shaktikanta Das. While investors cheered the RBI’s softer monetary policy stance earlier this month, former RBI heads continue to warn against the government’s short-term bias and emphasize the need for RBI independence.

  • Most policies that led to the spat between the RBI and the government spat have now been reversed
  • The growth focus has translated into easier banking and regulatory norms
  • A softer monetary policy puts the RBI’s hard-fought credibility at stake
  • Outflows due to political uncertainty and global headwinds will prove tough for a less credible RBI to counter
  • Loose fiscal and monetary policies put long-term macroeconomic stability at risk

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Brief India: Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance
  2. India: Outlook on Capex Recovery Continues to Brighten
  3. Gold: Dovish Central Banks May Sustain Rally; Closing Our GLD Short

1. Indian Housing Finance Companies-Series 2- LIC Housing Finance

Capture

We have recently written a report on Housing Finance Industry (please click here) where we delved on the outlook of the industry that has witnessed significant support from the government as it opened up the funding stream for the NBFC sector including HFCs who in the past relied heavily on banks. In addition, the government has also focussed on improving the housing demand through reforms like RERA, Housing For All etc. that has helped revive sales in the recent quarters.

We concluded the report by saying that the forthcoming articles in the form of a series will elaborate on some HFCs that are likely to be the key beneficiaries of an expected revival of the residential real estate. These HFCs have shown high corporate governance standard and their asset quality has not been compromised for growth. And this could be ascertained by the highest credit rating of AAA awarded to these HFCs by the noted credit rating agencies in India.

In continuation of the series, this article provides detail on Lic Housing Finance (LICHF IN) , the second largest HFC in the country. The company has witnessed robust growth in the past with an asset quality that is among the best in class. We initiate coverage on the company through this report that would delve on the outlook of the company along with some glaring risks that have lately emerged and may likely have an impact on the asset quality going forward.

2. India: Outlook on Capex Recovery Continues to Brighten

Capex2

As per the CSO, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) has grown above nominal GDP for 4 consecutive quarters now (latest data for September quarter). This, after GFCF grew slower than nominal GDP in 20 of the preceding 21 quarters. Capex cycle is thus picking up. And there are good reasons to expect this continue in the foreseeable future. Capacity utilisation is increasing in a broad-based manner. Liquidity conditions have improved, and cost of capital is likely to fall. Corporate profit cycle is no longer a headwind, although it is not yet a strong tailwind. The nascent signs of a recovery in the capex cycle are thus likely to get stronger in the months ahead.

3. Gold: Dovish Central Banks May Sustain Rally; Closing Our GLD Short

Golda

Central banks around the world have signaled their willingness to return back to the Easy Money Playbook in their quest to re-stimulate economic growth and inflation. This significant shift in market expectations has been the key factor driving the recent rally in Gold (GOLD COMDTY) prices, and it appears to have legs.  As such, we are closing our Spdr Gold Shares (GLD US) short.

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Brief India: RRG Weekly – Fed Highlights Headwinds – Greece Greases Growth – Thai Election Sun Too Close to Call and more

By | India

In this briefing:

  1. RRG Weekly – Fed Highlights Headwinds – Greece Greases Growth – Thai Election Sun Too Close to Call
  2. India Monthly Report Feb’19 – Mar’19
  3. HDFC Ltd- It Deserves Its Premium Valuation Tag
  4. India: Modi’s Charisma Set to Overcome the Headwinds of Incumbency and Electoral Pacts
  5. Indian Mobile – ARPUs Inflect as the Worst May Be over for Bharti, Although Not for Vodafone IDEA

1. RRG Weekly – Fed Highlights Headwinds – Greece Greases Growth – Thai Election Sun Too Close to Call

  • US: Fed Sees Tailwinds from Global Growth Shifting to Headwinds from China and Europe.
  • Greece: Growth supported by ‘Golden Visa’ (5-year visa for investing 250,000 Euro) and strong tourism arrivals. 2.3% GDP in 2020.
  • Thailand: Sunday election between Shinawatra-linked Pheu Thai Party and military backed Palang Pracharat Party. Too close to call.
  • Brazil: Former Brazilian President Michel Temer has been arrested in São Paulo as part of the Car Wash corruption investigation. Brazil stocks fell on the news.

2. India Monthly Report Feb’19 – Mar’19

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Indian indices were the least performing among the select global indices with S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 generating returns of negative 1.65% and negative 0.81% in domestic terms respectively. In Dollar terms, they fell by 0.81% and 0.09% respectively. Indian Rupee witnessed an appreciation of 0.85% during the period and has risen from 71.44 USD/ INR to 70.84 USD/ INR. Among the select indices, Dow Jones was the best performer with dollar returns of 3.4%.

Performance of Select Indices during Feb’19
IndexReturns in Domestic Currency Returns in USD
S&P BSE SENSEX-1.65%-0.81%
NIFTY 50-0.93%-0.09%
Nikkei 2252.87%1.17%
Dow Jones Industrial Average3.40%3.40%
HANG SENG2.51%2.49%
FTSE 1000.78%2.22%

Among the sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the highest gainer with a 17.56% return in domestic terms and 18.56% in USD terms. The worst performer has been Nifty PSU Banks with a decrease of 5.82% in domestic terms and 5.02% in USD terms.

Performance of Indian Sectoral Indices in USD 
INR Returns
USD Returns
NIFTY MEDIA
17.56%
18.56%
NIFTY METAL
1.99%
2.85%
NIFTY IT
0.05%
0.90%
NIFTY REALTY
-0.50%
0.35%
NIFTY PVT BANK
-0.59%
0.26%
NIFTY PHARMA
-0.94%
-0.10%
NIFTY AUTO
-1.02%
-0.18%
NIFTY BANK
-1.09%
-0.25%
NIFTY FIN SERVICE
-2.04%
-1.20%
NIFTY FMCG
-3.10%
-2.28%
NIFTY PSU BANK
-5.82%
-5.02%

3. HDFC Ltd- It Deserves Its Premium Valuation Tag

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In continuation of the Housing Finance Series (pleas click here and here for the earlier articles), this article provides a detail on HDFC, the largest Housing Finance Company (HFC) in the country. The company has a market share of 38% in the private sector. It is a AAA rated  with one of the best asset quality among its peers.

The key strength of HDFC is its ability to generate low cost funds from multiple sources that helps in maintaining its spread irrespective of the interest rate cycles.

Given a long term secular trend of the housing industry in India, we expect HDFC to remain a key beneficiary. A strong corporate governance standard, high management quality and a robust risk management may help in sustaining the return ratios as well as the asset quality that are among the best in class.

4. India: Modi’s Charisma Set to Overcome the Headwinds of Incumbency and Electoral Pacts

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If the election were to be held at the end of last week, we estimate that the BJP would have won just 213 seats, and the NDA it leads 265 — falling 7 seats short of a majority. Electoral alliances — particularly the fact that the BJP faces a less-fragmented opposition this time than in 2014 in UP, Karnataka, Bihar and Jharkhand — would ensure that. But the quality of party campaigns, and the performance of an incumbent government, also have major impacts on India’s electoral outcomes.

With the election campaign underway, there have already been a stream of defections from other parties to the BJP, indicating that the “wind” is blowing the BJP’s way, and this is likely to be another “wave” election (like those in 1977, 1980, 1984 and 2014).  The Modi government has not only made India the fastest-growing economy in the G20, CPI inflation has averaged 4.5% in the past 5 years (versus over 10% in the previous 5), the poor have near-universal access to cooking-gas, bank accounts and toilets (3 crucial necessities that were denied to more than half of Indians until 2014!) and the rupee is stronger now than 5 years ago (having suffered two currency crises during the UPA2 regime). Plus India has made significant gains on national security and the fight against terrorism. We expect that the NDA will gain another 50-60 seats (over our baseline scenario) in UP, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Rajasthan during the election campaign, ensuring a very comfortable majority of 315-325 seats for the ruling alliance. 

When combined with the fact that the NDA will also have a working majority in the Rajya Sabha, we expect the next one year to be characterized by very substantive legislation, including a thorough liberalisation of the labour market — ensuring greater flexibility for the organized sector, but substantially better protections for workers in the unorganized sector. This should transform India’s economic prospects over the next five years, ensuring a manufacturing revolution that takes real GDP to a 10% annual growth handle over the next 5 years. Both the Indian rupee and equity markets have begun to price in such an outcome this week. We would Buy India despite the challenging valuations!  

5. Indian Mobile – ARPUs Inflect as the Worst May Be over for Bharti, Although Not for Vodafone IDEA

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Chris Hoare sees increasing signs that the worst is over, at least for Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN). ARPUs and therefore revenues are bottoming. The 3Q numbers were the first quarter where the market as a whole grew sequentially (+2.5% QoQ) since Jio launched. We expect profits to follow. Signs of stabilization are much clearer for Bharti, as the performance gap vs Vodafone Idea (IDEA IN) remains wide. Both Bharti and IDEA are raising around $3.5bn of new equity. However, as we wrote previously, we do not think this is enough for Vodafone IDEA and expect the company to continue to lose market share. By contrast, Bharti’s capital increase puts the company in a strong position going forward and allows investors to fully discount extreme stress scenarios.

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