India

In this briefing:

1. Global Capital Flows Show China’s Collapsing Export Markets Could Soon Revive
2. Japan – Chinese Flu
3. India Generic Drugs: “Antitrust Unredacted”
4. Dabur IN
5. Dabur IN

1. Global Capital Flows Show China’s Collapsing Export Markets Could Soon Revive

• Capital flows are strongly Granger causal
• Gross capital flows lead World shipping activity by 4 months
• Capital flows have been slowly rising since June 2018: in February they jumped
• Reinforces out pro-Asia and pro-China investment message

2. Japan – Chinese Flu

By Konstantinos Venetis, Senior Economist

• Japan skirts recession but near-term prospects remain weak
• Deflationary headwinds to persist in H1, threatening business spending
• Recovery likely in late 2019 as world trade finds a firmer footing

3. India Generic Drugs: “Antitrust Unredacted”

New information in the government’s investigation into antitrust violations by generic drug companies continues to surface. An unredacted version of the Attorneys General complaint was published recently by a health care trade publication. The unredacted portions of the document paint an incriminating picture of the industry, increasing the pressure to settle. The timetable for the process remains open-ended, and manufacturers will be reluctant to raise prices absent documentable product shortages. Among the Indian companies, Sun Pharmaceutical Indus (SUNP IN), Dr. Reddy’S Laboratories (DRRD IN), and Aurobindo Pharma (ARBP IN) feature prominently in the court filings.

4. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this summary insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

A Detailed Insight that includes our detailed arguments and financial forecasts can be found elsewhere here on Smartkarma using the company’s ticker.

5. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

In this briefing:

1. Japan – Chinese Flu
2. India Generic Drugs: “Antitrust Unredacted”
3. Dabur IN
4. Dabur IN
5. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year

1. Japan – Chinese Flu

By Konstantinos Venetis, Senior Economist

• Japan skirts recession but near-term prospects remain weak
• Deflationary headwinds to persist in H1, threatening business spending
• Recovery likely in late 2019 as world trade finds a firmer footing

2. India Generic Drugs: “Antitrust Unredacted”

New information in the government’s investigation into antitrust violations by generic drug companies continues to surface. An unredacted version of the Attorneys General complaint was published recently by a health care trade publication. The unredacted portions of the document paint an incriminating picture of the industry, increasing the pressure to settle. The timetable for the process remains open-ended, and manufacturers will be reluctant to raise prices absent documentable product shortages. Among the Indian companies, Sun Pharmaceutical Indus (SUNP IN), Dr. Reddy’S Laboratories (DRRD IN), and Aurobindo Pharma (ARBP IN) feature prominently in the court filings.

3. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this summary insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

A Detailed Insight that includes our detailed arguments and financial forecasts can be found elsewhere here on Smartkarma using the company’s ticker.

4. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

5. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year

The Semiconductor Industry Association in the US released the latest WSTS figures for January chip revenues.  Monthly revenues are down 15.6% from January of 2018.  While this is not a surprise to our clients it is frightening to those who anticipated that 2019 would be a continuation of the bonanza enjoyed in 2018.

In this briefing:

1. India Generic Drugs: “Antitrust Unredacted”
2. Dabur IN
3. Dabur IN
4. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year
5. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown

1. India Generic Drugs: “Antitrust Unredacted”

New information in the government’s investigation into antitrust violations by generic drug companies continues to surface. An unredacted version of the Attorneys General complaint was published recently by a health care trade publication. The unredacted portions of the document paint an incriminating picture of the industry, increasing the pressure to settle. The timetable for the process remains open-ended, and manufacturers will be reluctant to raise prices absent documentable product shortages. Among the Indian companies, Sun Pharmaceutical Indus (SUNP IN), Dr. Reddy’S Laboratories (DRRD IN), and Aurobindo Pharma (ARBP IN) feature prominently in the court filings.

2. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this summary insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

A Detailed Insight that includes our detailed arguments and financial forecasts can be found elsewhere here on Smartkarma using the company’s ticker.

3. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

4. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year

The Semiconductor Industry Association in the US released the latest WSTS figures for January chip revenues.  Monthly revenues are down 15.6% from January of 2018.  While this is not a surprise to our clients it is frightening to those who anticipated that 2019 would be a continuation of the bonanza enjoyed in 2018.

5. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown

• Polycab India (POLY IN) is the largest wires and cables manufacturer in India almost 2x the size of its next largest competitor. It is also present in electrical consumer durables and EPC projects.
• Company’s 14% revenue Cagr over FY14-18 was aided by government’s increased capex in rural and railway electrification.
• Despite large B2B exposure, company managed to defend gross margins over FY15-18 by passing on input cost variations to its customers. Operating margins have also been steady on the back of improving margins in the key wires and cables segment.
• High B2B nature of business results in 90+days of working capital cycle. Business is capex heavy (annual run rate Rs2.4bn over FY15-18). Company has the lowest asset turnover among its listed peers. It also generates the lowest amount of free cashflows among its peers.
• Investing most of the operating cash in the business would have been great if company was generating healthy ROE. But company’s ROE is in the sub 15% range and it would fall further after the planned Rs5bn primary issue.
• The asset-heavy and low ROE model makes Polycab more dependent on earnings growth to drive stock performance. This, in turn, makes it more vulnerable to any slowdown in government capex in electrification compared to peers.

In this briefing:

1. Dabur IN
2. Dabur IN
3. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year
4. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown
5. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle

1. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this summary insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

A Detailed Insight that includes our detailed arguments and financial forecasts can be found elsewhere here on Smartkarma using the company’s ticker.

2. Dabur IN

Either Dabur India Ltd (DABUR IN) should change the crystal ball or those responsible for gazing at it. Going by its trajectory of strategies in the recent past, the narrative that emerges is that of confusion. Confusion has been a constant about whom Dabur perceived its competitors, its perception of the market while the disruptors reigned and what is and what should be its core strengths.

In this insight, we find Dabur heading to hibernation in summers. We believe this confused state of mind at Dabur will lead to lower than expected growth rates and an impact on margins. Our arguments are based on in-depth analysis of over 3 years of conference calls, past 5 year financial statements, competitors balance sheets and primary research covering different parts of the country. Our base case FY 21 EPS is 21% lower than consensus estimates and a potential aggressive case EPS is 26% lower than consensus. We argue for a 35x forward multiple giving us a target price of INR 322 for the base case and an aggressive case target price of INR 305 indicating a potential 26% & 30% downside from the latest close price of INR 437.

3. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year

The Semiconductor Industry Association in the US released the latest WSTS figures for January chip revenues.  Monthly revenues are down 15.6% from January of 2018.  While this is not a surprise to our clients it is frightening to those who anticipated that 2019 would be a continuation of the bonanza enjoyed in 2018.

4. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown

• Polycab India (POLY IN) is the largest wires and cables manufacturer in India almost 2x the size of its next largest competitor. It is also present in electrical consumer durables and EPC projects.
• Company’s 14% revenue Cagr over FY14-18 was aided by government’s increased capex in rural and railway electrification.
• Despite large B2B exposure, company managed to defend gross margins over FY15-18 by passing on input cost variations to its customers. Operating margins have also been steady on the back of improving margins in the key wires and cables segment.
• High B2B nature of business results in 90+days of working capital cycle. Business is capex heavy (annual run rate Rs2.4bn over FY15-18). Company has the lowest asset turnover among its listed peers. It also generates the lowest amount of free cashflows among its peers.
• Investing most of the operating cash in the business would have been great if company was generating healthy ROE. But company’s ROE is in the sub 15% range and it would fall further after the planned Rs5bn primary issue.
• The asset-heavy and low ROE model makes Polycab more dependent on earnings growth to drive stock performance. This, in turn, makes it more vulnerable to any slowdown in government capex in electrification compared to peers.

5. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle

Our positive view of the Asian region in 2018 was not reflected in stock market performance. But now is not the time to discard fundamentals and fundamental analysis. Unlike the US, the Asian region is in the early stages of a profit upcycle. As we have argued on many occasions, that is the building block required to kick start the investment cycle. But theoretical explanations of the growth process aside, is there any empirical support for the argument that profits and investment, and therefore growth, are related? We would answer in the affirmative and, in the following report, we try to show how the process works and where Asia stands on two of our Austrian Stress Indicators (ASIs). Market volatility aside, the conditions for good growth gains are firmly in place in most of the region.

In this briefing:

1. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year
2. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown
3. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle
4. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.
5. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support

1. January Chip Revenues Down 15.6% Year-On-Year

The Semiconductor Industry Association in the US released the latest WSTS figures for January chip revenues.  Monthly revenues are down 15.6% from January of 2018.  While this is not a surprise to our clients it is frightening to those who anticipated that 2019 would be a continuation of the bonanza enjoyed in 2018.

2. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown

• Polycab India (POLY IN) is the largest wires and cables manufacturer in India almost 2x the size of its next largest competitor. It is also present in electrical consumer durables and EPC projects.
• Company’s 14% revenue Cagr over FY14-18 was aided by government’s increased capex in rural and railway electrification.
• Despite large B2B exposure, company managed to defend gross margins over FY15-18 by passing on input cost variations to its customers. Operating margins have also been steady on the back of improving margins in the key wires and cables segment.
• High B2B nature of business results in 90+days of working capital cycle. Business is capex heavy (annual run rate Rs2.4bn over FY15-18). Company has the lowest asset turnover among its listed peers. It also generates the lowest amount of free cashflows among its peers.
• Investing most of the operating cash in the business would have been great if company was generating healthy ROE. But company’s ROE is in the sub 15% range and it would fall further after the planned Rs5bn primary issue.
• The asset-heavy and low ROE model makes Polycab more dependent on earnings growth to drive stock performance. This, in turn, makes it more vulnerable to any slowdown in government capex in electrification compared to peers.

3. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle

Our positive view of the Asian region in 2018 was not reflected in stock market performance. But now is not the time to discard fundamentals and fundamental analysis. Unlike the US, the Asian region is in the early stages of a profit upcycle. As we have argued on many occasions, that is the building block required to kick start the investment cycle. But theoretical explanations of the growth process aside, is there any empirical support for the argument that profits and investment, and therefore growth, are related? We would answer in the affirmative and, in the following report, we try to show how the process works and where Asia stands on two of our Austrian Stress Indicators (ASIs). Market volatility aside, the conditions for good growth gains are firmly in place in most of the region.

4. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.

Historically, Germany and China have depended on exports to lead growth. With the US unwilling to play the role of consumer of last resort and being determined to limit its current account deficit,  this avenue is not available anymore. In the absence of a rethink by German policy makers as to how to make German growth more self -sustaining a deflationary feedback loop is developing between the EU and China. 

5. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support

Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN) corrective cycle does not appear complete with risk of a final spike lower  below key pivot support. It is this crack lower that we want to take advantage of.

Sell volume spike implies the flat range will break lower. 

Daily cycle triangulation sides with a press below pivot support. An upside break of this triangle would trigger a tactical long but would lack needed gas for a sustainable drive.

Weekly MACD is seeking a bottoming/basing cycle that will turn the cycle higher once we see a final capitulation spike below pivot support as we did back in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

In this briefing:

1. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown
2. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle
3. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.
4. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support
5. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield

1. Polycab IPO: Largest Cables Player, Asset-Heavy Low ROE Model = Vulnerable to Govt Capex Slowdown

• Polycab India (POLY IN) is the largest wires and cables manufacturer in India almost 2x the size of its next largest competitor. It is also present in electrical consumer durables and EPC projects.
• Company’s 14% revenue Cagr over FY14-18 was aided by government’s increased capex in rural and railway electrification.
• Despite large B2B exposure, company managed to defend gross margins over FY15-18 by passing on input cost variations to its customers. Operating margins have also been steady on the back of improving margins in the key wires and cables segment.
• High B2B nature of business results in 90+days of working capital cycle. Business is capex heavy (annual run rate Rs2.4bn over FY15-18). Company has the lowest asset turnover among its listed peers. It also generates the lowest amount of free cashflows among its peers.
• Investing most of the operating cash in the business would have been great if company was generating healthy ROE. But company’s ROE is in the sub 15% range and it would fall further after the planned Rs5bn primary issue.
• The asset-heavy and low ROE model makes Polycab more dependent on earnings growth to drive stock performance. This, in turn, makes it more vulnerable to any slowdown in government capex in electrification compared to peers.

2. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle

Our positive view of the Asian region in 2018 was not reflected in stock market performance. But now is not the time to discard fundamentals and fundamental analysis. Unlike the US, the Asian region is in the early stages of a profit upcycle. As we have argued on many occasions, that is the building block required to kick start the investment cycle. But theoretical explanations of the growth process aside, is there any empirical support for the argument that profits and investment, and therefore growth, are related? We would answer in the affirmative and, in the following report, we try to show how the process works and where Asia stands on two of our Austrian Stress Indicators (ASIs). Market volatility aside, the conditions for good growth gains are firmly in place in most of the region.

3. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.

Historically, Germany and China have depended on exports to lead growth. With the US unwilling to play the role of consumer of last resort and being determined to limit its current account deficit,  this avenue is not available anymore. In the absence of a rethink by German policy makers as to how to make German growth more self -sustaining a deflationary feedback loop is developing between the EU and China. 

4. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support

Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN) corrective cycle does not appear complete with risk of a final spike lower  below key pivot support. It is this crack lower that we want to take advantage of.

Sell volume spike implies the flat range will break lower. 

Daily cycle triangulation sides with a press below pivot support. An upside break of this triangle would trigger a tactical long but would lack needed gas for a sustainable drive.

Weekly MACD is seeking a bottoming/basing cycle that will turn the cycle higher once we see a final capitulation spike below pivot support as we did back in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

5. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield

Embassy Office Parks REIT (EOP IN) plans to raise around US$1bn in its India IPO. EOP will primarily hold office assets in Bengaluru, Pune and Noida with a total portfolio size of US$4.2bn. 

In my previous insight, Embassy Office Parks REIT – Good Assets but Projections Might Be a Tad Too Bullish I covered the company background and its projected growth. In this insight, I’ll compare it to its closest listed peer, Ascendas India Trust (AIT SP) and add in the performance of other yield driven listings in India.

In this briefing:

1. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle
2. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.
3. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support
4. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield
5. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets

1. Politics, Uncertainty and Bad Policy: The Third Wheels of Profits and the Investment Cycle

Our positive view of the Asian region in 2018 was not reflected in stock market performance. But now is not the time to discard fundamentals and fundamental analysis. Unlike the US, the Asian region is in the early stages of a profit upcycle. As we have argued on many occasions, that is the building block required to kick start the investment cycle. But theoretical explanations of the growth process aside, is there any empirical support for the argument that profits and investment, and therefore growth, are related? We would answer in the affirmative and, in the following report, we try to show how the process works and where Asia stands on two of our Austrian Stress Indicators (ASIs). Market volatility aside, the conditions for good growth gains are firmly in place in most of the region.

2. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.

Historically, Germany and China have depended on exports to lead growth. With the US unwilling to play the role of consumer of last resort and being determined to limit its current account deficit,  this avenue is not available anymore. In the absence of a rethink by German policy makers as to how to make German growth more self -sustaining a deflationary feedback loop is developing between the EU and China. 

3. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support

Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN) corrective cycle does not appear complete with risk of a final spike lower  below key pivot support. It is this crack lower that we want to take advantage of.

Sell volume spike implies the flat range will break lower. 

Daily cycle triangulation sides with a press below pivot support. An upside break of this triangle would trigger a tactical long but would lack needed gas for a sustainable drive.

Weekly MACD is seeking a bottoming/basing cycle that will turn the cycle higher once we see a final capitulation spike below pivot support as we did back in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

4. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield

Embassy Office Parks REIT (EOP IN) plans to raise around US$1bn in its India IPO. EOP will primarily hold office assets in Bengaluru, Pune and Noida with a total portfolio size of US$4.2bn. 

In my previous insight, Embassy Office Parks REIT – Good Assets but Projections Might Be a Tad Too Bullish I covered the company background and its projected growth. In this insight, I’ll compare it to its closest listed peer, Ascendas India Trust (AIT SP) and add in the performance of other yield driven listings in India.

5. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets

Post the downing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) MIG-21 by Pakistan over its territory and the capture and subsequent return of the pilot, the narrative which was strongly in favour of Narendra  Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rapidly spiralled downwards. Whether the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) entered Indian air space to deliberately attack Indian targets and was driven back, or it was a lure to ambush the IAF aircraft over Pakistani airspace, is not yet clear, but the stark acknowledgement that the IAF MIG-21 had been downed and the pilot captured, and  a video of his capture and  interrogation broadcasted on social media, were setbacks to the Indian government and its military. Although the Indian government claimed that a PAF F-16 was brought down (although some Indian defense commentators are stating that this is evidence of the downed PAF F-16), Pakistan is denying any loss of its aircraft.

If the market was banking on a decisive Modi victory in the 2019 national elections in the immediate aftermath of the IAF strike on Bagalkot that has been dissipated with the capture and return of the IAF pilot. Unless another such event arises (or is generated), the outcome of the national elections in India will be determined by political alliances and the socio-economic conditions of the electorate; national security concerns may play a secondary role

In this briefing:

1. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.
2. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support
3. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield
4. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets
5. EM Equity Strategy: Cyclicals Leading, China Surging

1. China – Eurozone Negative Feedback Loop.

Historically, Germany and China have depended on exports to lead growth. With the US unwilling to play the role of consumer of last resort and being determined to limit its current account deficit,  this avenue is not available anymore. In the absence of a rethink by German policy makers as to how to make German growth more self -sustaining a deflationary feedback loop is developing between the EU and China. 

2. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support

Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN) corrective cycle does not appear complete with risk of a final spike lower  below key pivot support. It is this crack lower that we want to take advantage of.

Sell volume spike implies the flat range will break lower. 

Daily cycle triangulation sides with a press below pivot support. An upside break of this triangle would trigger a tactical long but would lack needed gas for a sustainable drive.

Weekly MACD is seeking a bottoming/basing cycle that will turn the cycle higher once we see a final capitulation spike below pivot support as we did back in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

3. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield

Embassy Office Parks REIT (EOP IN) plans to raise around US$1bn in its India IPO. EOP will primarily hold office assets in Bengaluru, Pune and Noida with a total portfolio size of US$4.2bn. 

In my previous insight, Embassy Office Parks REIT – Good Assets but Projections Might Be a Tad Too Bullish I covered the company background and its projected growth. In this insight, I’ll compare it to its closest listed peer, Ascendas India Trust (AIT SP) and add in the performance of other yield driven listings in India.

4. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets

Post the downing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) MIG-21 by Pakistan over its territory and the capture and subsequent return of the pilot, the narrative which was strongly in favour of Narendra  Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rapidly spiralled downwards. Whether the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) entered Indian air space to deliberately attack Indian targets and was driven back, or it was a lure to ambush the IAF aircraft over Pakistani airspace, is not yet clear, but the stark acknowledgement that the IAF MIG-21 had been downed and the pilot captured, and  a video of his capture and  interrogation broadcasted on social media, were setbacks to the Indian government and its military. Although the Indian government claimed that a PAF F-16 was brought down (although some Indian defense commentators are stating that this is evidence of the downed PAF F-16), Pakistan is denying any loss of its aircraft.

If the market was banking on a decisive Modi victory in the 2019 national elections in the immediate aftermath of the IAF strike on Bagalkot that has been dissipated with the capture and return of the IAF pilot. Unless another such event arises (or is generated), the outcome of the national elections in India will be determined by political alliances and the socio-economic conditions of the electorate; national security concerns may play a secondary role

5. EM Equity Strategy: Cyclicals Leading, China Surging

Broadly speaking, RS for MSCI EM is currently exhibiting some mild deterioration vs. MSCI EAFE following four months of clear outperformance. Nonetheless, the MSCI EM index is bottoming and remains attractive from a price perspective.  In today’s report we offer a technical appraisal of major EM markets, and offer a host of technically attractivec bottoms-up stock ideas across the EM universe.

In this briefing:

1. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support
2. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield
3. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets
4. EM Equity Strategy: Cyclicals Leading, China Surging
5. Monthly Geopolitical Comment: Waiting for Trump and Xi to Clinch a Deal

1. Bharti Airtel Buy on Short Lived Breach Below Support

Bharti Airtel (BHARTI IN) corrective cycle does not appear complete with risk of a final spike lower  below key pivot support. It is this crack lower that we want to take advantage of.

Sell volume spike implies the flat range will break lower. 

Daily cycle triangulation sides with a press below pivot support. An upside break of this triangle would trigger a tactical long but would lack needed gas for a sustainable drive.

Weekly MACD is seeking a bottoming/basing cycle that will turn the cycle higher once we see a final capitulation spike below pivot support as we did back in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

2. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield

Embassy Office Parks REIT (EOP IN) plans to raise around US$1bn in its India IPO. EOP will primarily hold office assets in Bengaluru, Pune and Noida with a total portfolio size of US$4.2bn. 

In my previous insight, Embassy Office Parks REIT – Good Assets but Projections Might Be a Tad Too Bullish I covered the company background and its projected growth. In this insight, I’ll compare it to its closest listed peer, Ascendas India Trust (AIT SP) and add in the performance of other yield driven listings in India.

3. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets

Post the downing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) MIG-21 by Pakistan over its territory and the capture and subsequent return of the pilot, the narrative which was strongly in favour of Narendra  Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rapidly spiralled downwards. Whether the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) entered Indian air space to deliberately attack Indian targets and was driven back, or it was a lure to ambush the IAF aircraft over Pakistani airspace, is not yet clear, but the stark acknowledgement that the IAF MIG-21 had been downed and the pilot captured, and  a video of his capture and  interrogation broadcasted on social media, were setbacks to the Indian government and its military. Although the Indian government claimed that a PAF F-16 was brought down (although some Indian defense commentators are stating that this is evidence of the downed PAF F-16), Pakistan is denying any loss of its aircraft.

If the market was banking on a decisive Modi victory in the 2019 national elections in the immediate aftermath of the IAF strike on Bagalkot that has been dissipated with the capture and return of the IAF pilot. Unless another such event arises (or is generated), the outcome of the national elections in India will be determined by political alliances and the socio-economic conditions of the electorate; national security concerns may play a secondary role

4. EM Equity Strategy: Cyclicals Leading, China Surging

Broadly speaking, RS for MSCI EM is currently exhibiting some mild deterioration vs. MSCI EAFE following four months of clear outperformance. Nonetheless, the MSCI EM index is bottoming and remains attractive from a price perspective.  In today’s report we offer a technical appraisal of major EM markets, and offer a host of technically attractivec bottoms-up stock ideas across the EM universe.

5. Monthly Geopolitical Comment: Waiting for Trump and Xi to Clinch a Deal

In this briefing:

1. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield
2. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets
3. EM Equity Strategy: Cyclicals Leading, China Surging
4. Monthly Geopolitical Comment: Waiting for Trump and Xi to Clinch a Deal
5. Global EM Special: Andean Condors Vs Asian Elephants – Where Is the Growth in EM?

1. Embassy Office Parks REIT – Comparison with AIT and a Look at the Required Yield

Embassy Office Parks REIT (EOP IN) plans to raise around US$1bn in its India IPO. EOP will primarily hold office assets in Bengaluru, Pune and Noida with a total portfolio size of US$4.2bn. 

In my previous insight, Embassy Office Parks REIT – Good Assets but Projections Might Be a Tad Too Bullish I covered the company background and its projected growth. In this insight, I’ll compare it to its closest listed peer, Ascendas India Trust (AIT SP) and add in the performance of other yield driven listings in India.

2. Receding Political Gains to the Ruling Party, Possible Threat to the Markets

Post the downing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) MIG-21 by Pakistan over its territory and the capture and subsequent return of the pilot, the narrative which was strongly in favour of Narendra  Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rapidly spiralled downwards. Whether the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) entered Indian air space to deliberately attack Indian targets and was driven back, or it was a lure to ambush the IAF aircraft over Pakistani airspace, is not yet clear, but the stark acknowledgement that the IAF MIG-21 had been downed and the pilot captured, and  a video of his capture and  interrogation broadcasted on social media, were setbacks to the Indian government and its military. Although the Indian government claimed that a PAF F-16 was brought down (although some Indian defense commentators are stating that this is evidence of the downed PAF F-16), Pakistan is denying any loss of its aircraft.

If the market was banking on a decisive Modi victory in the 2019 national elections in the immediate aftermath of the IAF strike on Bagalkot that has been dissipated with the capture and return of the IAF pilot. Unless another such event arises (or is generated), the outcome of the national elections in India will be determined by political alliances and the socio-economic conditions of the electorate; national security concerns may play a secondary role

3. EM Equity Strategy: Cyclicals Leading, China Surging

Broadly speaking, RS for MSCI EM is currently exhibiting some mild deterioration vs. MSCI EAFE following four months of clear outperformance. Nonetheless, the MSCI EM index is bottoming and remains attractive from a price perspective.  In today’s report we offer a technical appraisal of major EM markets, and offer a host of technically attractivec bottoms-up stock ideas across the EM universe.

4. Monthly Geopolitical Comment: Waiting for Trump and Xi to Clinch a Deal

5. Global EM Special: Andean Condors Vs Asian Elephants – Where Is the Growth in EM?

Global growth is expected to slow over the coming quarters, possibly years – and emerging market economies are certainly not immune from this. Nevertheless, within this diverse universe, the pace of deceleration will be uneven. Whilst some “open” EM economies are generally synchronized with growth dynamics in the rest of the world, others will be shielded by a combination of idiosyncratic forces – including renewed accommodative (monetary and fiscal) policies, cyclical recovery or upswing in domestic growth drivers and – for some – positive political developments and reform progress. Still, other EMs are less fortunate and a growth deceleration is likely to deepen in the near-term – held back by less policy flexibility, political uncertainty and various domestic or external shocks.

With 4Q18 GDP growth reports underway, we sifted through – and synthesized – various growth indicators to introduce a “Growth-Profile Framework” (GPF) to systematically evaluate – and rank – growth profiles in a data-driven, automated and standardized manner. The “GPF” not only takes into account GDP for the most recently-reported four quarters but also forward-looking forecasts and the latest economist revisions, which often take into account the latest data surprises and other material developments.

The observation universe is the “Emerging Markets-25” (EM-25) of large, investable EM countries most often found in benchmark indices such as MSCI EM and JPMorgan (GBI-EM and EMBI) indices. This opportunity set offers a breadth of diversity spanning across Asia, EMEA and LatAm and different stages of development. 

Highlights: 

• Introducing the “EM-25” Growth Profile Framework: This data-driven, automated and standardized model generates a ranking of the “EM-25” economies based on a composite of factors reflecting: 1/ The most recent GDP growth data (in relation to three look-back periods), 2/ Forward-looking consensus growth forecasts (in relation to the most recent four quarters of GDP) and 3/ Upgrades and downgrades to those forecasts.
• Andean condors soar while Asian elephants amble along: LatAm – specifically the Andean economies (plus Brazil) – currently stand out as having the most attractive growth profiles among the EM-25. They are helped by a combination of – largely idiosyncratic – factors ranging from newfound reform optimism (Brazil), improving domestic confidence (Colombia), pent-up domestic demand (Peru) and stabilizing appetite for key commodities (Chile). This contrasts with export-oriented Asian manufacturers that dominate the bottom rankings. Elsewhere, the legacy of past macroeconomic policy choices – both painfully orthodox (Argentina) and otherwise (Turkey, Venezuela, Pakistan) – are taking their unique toll on certain other economies.
• Does growth matter for investment strategy? Yes…: Simplistically speaking, economies with exemplary growth profiles are viable candidates for long or overweight positions in equity markets and external debt. Strong growth is often associated with stronger corporate earnings potential as well as lower debt-to-GDP levels, respectively. Growth implications for FX and local debt are more ambiguous, but to the extent that a robust growth outlook guides central banks to tighten policy or lifts the government’s fiscal revenues over time, then this may also be positive for currencies and rates, respectively.

• …But it’s complicated: However, strong growth can detract asset performance if it is the result of unsustainable policies (e.g. overly loose fiscal or monetary actions) or if it leads to overheating conditions (e.g. runaway inflation or a wider current account deficit). An attractive growth profile, as with all data sets, needs to be judged against its context. Although high and improving growth is an end-goal for many policymakers, the road to strong – and sustainable – growth is far more important for its longevity (and for risk assets over the medium-term). For instance: Are growth prospects improving due to rising productivity (as it might from structural reform)? Or rather from overly-stimulative policies that risk fanning inflation or widening the current account deficit? To what extent do officials have the policy flexibility to stoke growth, smoothen downside growth risks or stave off a recession? We touch upon these questions in the individual country sections below.

• While the narrative is almost always more important than the number itself, this GPF framework nevertheless offers a valuable screening tool that systematically evaluates growth profiles – on a stand-alone and relative basis – across the “EM-25” universe.