SISB has been one of the best investments in our portfolio, rising 26% since we jumped in shortly after the IPO. Founder Kelvin Koh reiterated the strengths in his prospectus (English-Chinese language, affordability, own brand) and backs it up with:
positive stats and trends. 7.8% CAGR in international students, growth in high net worth Thais (11.4% CAGR) and expat population (6.9% CAGR) all of which are supportive of the business.
expansion plans both abroad and domestic. A Bt70m investment in the Thonburi site as well as talks to potentially set up new campuses in China and/or CLMV region.
Financials. An almost sixfold jump in earnings from Bt18m in 2017 to Bt103.5m in 2018 primarily due to its high operating leverage and now debt-free status after the IPO.
favorable operating environment. High availability of Caucasian teachers in Thailand and growing Chinese expat community due to China’s increasing environment.
Volatility set to rise as Thailand, Indonesia and India all Face ElectionsRussia: Michael Calvey, a US citizen and one of Russia’s most prominent foreign investors, has been detained.
Indonesia: Incumbent President and his challenger from the military are trying to outdo each other in spending largesse targeting rural poor ahead of the May election.
South Africa: Recent inflation readings have been the lowest in a long time on lower fuel expenses. Expected to stay low.
SYNEX’s 4Q18 net profit was at Bt190m (+16%YoY, +18QoQ), in-line with our expectation
Record-high level of sales at Bt10.38bn is the major contributor to impressive 4Q18 performance. Meanwhile , gross margin drops below 4% in the first time due to changing product mix towards more on device segment
SYNEX post 2018 net profit of Bt721m (+15%YoY) driven by 18% increase in revenue
We maintain our positive view toward FY19-20E earnings outlook driven by (1) number of flagship smartphone model launches and new brands for low budget users, Neffos, and, (2) higher sales contribution from high-margins product such as gaming desktops and post-sales services.
We maintain our BUY rating with a new target price of Bt16.80 (previous target price at Bt15.0) derived from 17xPE’2019E, which is the average of the World information and technology sector
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
On Friday, March 15th, an estimated 1.6 million students in over 120 countries (source: Time magazine) walked out of classrooms and took to streets demanding radical climate action. Climate change activism rarely grabbed headlines or wider public attention as it is doing now. Rising climate activism will continue to train the spotlight on industries/businesses associated with carbon-emission making it increasingly difficult for them to expand capacities or secure funding. Large institutional investors – sovereign funds, pension funds, insurance companies – have begun toincorporate climate risk into investment policy and are limiting exposure to sectors that directly contribute to carbon emissions – primarily coal, crude oil producers and power plants based on them. Expect sector devaluation; active investors may well look beyond juicy near term earnings and dividend yield.
Even as scientists and meteorological organisations keep warning of dire consequences unless concrete action is taken to limit carbon emissions to stall climate change, political establishment/regulators in most countries are in denial while others are doing little more than lip service. If so, should corporates care? even though businesses are the ones that play a direct role in escalating carbon emissions. With rising consumer awareness and activism, several industries associated with carbon emissions are already facing operational and funding challenges; we believe, it pays for all businesses to be above par on ‘climate action’ – it would be in their own self-interest, not just general good. And do Investors bother?Under the aegis of Climate Action 100+, an investor initiative with 320 signatories having more than USD33 trillion in assets collectively under management, they have been engaging companies on improving governance, curbing emissions and strengthening climate-related financial disclosures. It has listed out Oil & Gas, Mining, Utilities and Auto manufacturers as target sectors. Investors have already been making an impact – by vote or exit. It sure makes logical sense to effect positive change and minimise climate risk when you have a long term investment horizon.
In the detailed note below we
discuss how rising consumer/investor activism and/or political/regulatory changes are posing challenges to key sectors –Coal, Oil & Gas, Automobiles/Aviation, Consumer goods – that are associated with carbon emissions.
analyse how rising climate activism is negatively impacting growth prospects and valuation of companies in these sectors.
highlight the opportunities for businesses to capitalise on changing consumer preferences for products that minimise carbon footprint and differentiate themselves by being on the right side of climate action.
present a quick primer on climate change and lay down the key facts and data on climate change as presented by World Meteorological Organisation, NASA and IPCC.
However, the report does NOT discuss potential risks to businesses from the aftermath of Climate change. Unlike our recently released report Fast Fashion in Asia: Trendy Clothing’s Toxic Trails – Investors Bewarethat looked into sector’s environmental violations and attempted to estimate potential earnings/growth/valuation downside as leading textile players adopt sustainable practices, we believe the impact of unpredictable climate change poses a threat that is not easy to identify or quantify.
We visited two small-cap companies from totally different industries today. These are the key highlights.
Rajthanee Hospital, a small hospital chain based in Ayuthya, achieved 15.7% revenue growth CAGR since 2016 on the back of its proximity to industrial estates.
CAZ has seen its backlog double to Bt2.5bn largely due to its good relations with major clients (PTT) and partners (Samsung and other Korean chaebol), which dole out projects in the oil & gas sector to it.
Internally, CAZ follows a sophisticated cost control method sporting bar codes and GPS to track materials and dedicated cost-control staff.
Thailand went to the polls for the first time in six years last Sunday. The Election Commission will release results for 94% of the vote this Friday, with full and confirmed results released on 9 May. An elected government will be restored but the game has been rigged by the amended 2017 Constitution which allows the military to appoint the 250-strong Senate.
We asked our long-time Thai political correspondent, Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University, to have a look at Thailand’s political history and to give us his views on the likely outcome. Dr. Thitinan forecasts the return of Prayut Chan-Ocha as prime minister but at the head of a very weak government in what looks likely to be a Pheu Thai coalition in the lower house. Thai politics looks set to become fractious, and interesting, once again.
With over 90% of the votes counted, the Thaksinite party Peau Thai currently leads with a razor-thin margin of 10 seats, which will be easily overwhelmed by at least 200+ senators who will certainly support the Army faction that appointed them.
This ensures policy continuity. The Thaksinite lead is simply too small to justify a mass protest and political uncertainty feared by foreign investors. The stock market reacted counter-intuitively by falling, and this seems like a good opportunity to buy from our vantage point.
The strong showing of newbie party Future Forward, now Thailand’s third largest, should benefit TSC (Thai Steel Cable) on the sentiment level. Thanatorn’s uncle Suriya is part of the pro-Army party, though joining the government bloc may be tricky given Future Forward’s campaign stance.
The Democrats performed poorly, losing much of their seats in both Bangkok and Southern Thailand (their home base), to Future Forward and Pracharat respectively. However, they may still end up in the government if Future Forward doesn’t pounce on the opportunity.
Bhumjaithai was the only swing vote party that did well in this election, emerging as number 4. At the moment, they are the most likely party for the pro-Army government, given their friendly and flexible stance prior to the elections. The Party Leader’s family controls STEC.
Energy Transfer LP (ET US) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA LN) have signed a Project Framework Agreement to further develop a large-scale LNG export facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana and move toward a potential final investment decision (FID). They have started actively engaging with LNG Engineering, Procurement and Contracting (EPC) companies with a plan to issue an Invitation to Tender (ITT) in the weeks ahead. We look at the potential contract size and winners and also the other US LNG projects that could be negatively impacted. More detail on the LNG project queue for this year in: A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
Volatility set to rise as Thailand, Indonesia and India all Face ElectionsRussia: Michael Calvey, a US citizen and one of Russia’s most prominent foreign investors, has been detained.
Indonesia: Incumbent President and his challenger from the military are trying to outdo each other in spending largesse targeting rural poor ahead of the May election.
South Africa: Recent inflation readings have been the lowest in a long time on lower fuel expenses. Expected to stay low.
SYNEX’s 4Q18 net profit was at Bt190m (+16%YoY, +18QoQ), in-line with our expectation
Record-high level of sales at Bt10.38bn is the major contributor to impressive 4Q18 performance. Meanwhile , gross margin drops below 4% in the first time due to changing product mix towards more on device segment
SYNEX post 2018 net profit of Bt721m (+15%YoY) driven by 18% increase in revenue
We maintain our positive view toward FY19-20E earnings outlook driven by (1) number of flagship smartphone model launches and new brands for low budget users, Neffos, and, (2) higher sales contribution from high-margins product such as gaming desktops and post-sales services.
We maintain our BUY rating with a new target price of Bt16.80 (previous target price at Bt15.0) derived from 17xPE’2019E, which is the average of the World information and technology sector
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
We visited two small-cap companies from totally different industries today. These are the key highlights.
Rajthanee Hospital, a small hospital chain based in Ayuthya, achieved 15.7% revenue growth CAGR since 2016 on the back of its proximity to industrial estates.
CAZ has seen its backlog double to Bt2.5bn largely due to its good relations with major clients (PTT) and partners (Samsung and other Korean chaebol), which dole out projects in the oil & gas sector to it.
Internally, CAZ follows a sophisticated cost control method sporting bar codes and GPS to track materials and dedicated cost-control staff.
Thailand went to the polls for the first time in six years last Sunday. The Election Commission will release results for 94% of the vote this Friday, with full and confirmed results released on 9 May. An elected government will be restored but the game has been rigged by the amended 2017 Constitution which allows the military to appoint the 250-strong Senate.
We asked our long-time Thai political correspondent, Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University, to have a look at Thailand’s political history and to give us his views on the likely outcome. Dr. Thitinan forecasts the return of Prayut Chan-Ocha as prime minister but at the head of a very weak government in what looks likely to be a Pheu Thai coalition in the lower house. Thai politics looks set to become fractious, and interesting, once again.
With over 90% of the votes counted, the Thaksinite party Peau Thai currently leads with a razor-thin margin of 10 seats, which will be easily overwhelmed by at least 200+ senators who will certainly support the Army faction that appointed them.
This ensures policy continuity. The Thaksinite lead is simply too small to justify a mass protest and political uncertainty feared by foreign investors. The stock market reacted counter-intuitively by falling, and this seems like a good opportunity to buy from our vantage point.
The strong showing of newbie party Future Forward, now Thailand’s third largest, should benefit TSC (Thai Steel Cable) on the sentiment level. Thanatorn’s uncle Suriya is part of the pro-Army party, though joining the government bloc may be tricky given Future Forward’s campaign stance.
The Democrats performed poorly, losing much of their seats in both Bangkok and Southern Thailand (their home base), to Future Forward and Pracharat respectively. However, they may still end up in the government if Future Forward doesn’t pounce on the opportunity.
Bhumjaithai was the only swing vote party that did well in this election, emerging as number 4. At the moment, they are the most likely party for the pro-Army government, given their friendly and flexible stance prior to the elections. The Party Leader’s family controls STEC.
Energy Transfer LP (ET US) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA LN) have signed a Project Framework Agreement to further develop a large-scale LNG export facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana and move toward a potential final investment decision (FID). They have started actively engaging with LNG Engineering, Procurement and Contracting (EPC) companies with a plan to issue an Invitation to Tender (ITT) in the weeks ahead. We look at the potential contract size and winners and also the other US LNG projects that could be negatively impacted. More detail on the LNG project queue for this year in: A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies.
After 18 years, the Thai (military) establishment has finally tamed Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2019 election, the first one since 2001 in which a party linked to Thaksin has not won a plurality. Since the military coup of 1932, Thailand’s most stable and powerful institution has been the military — preserving order and continuity. In the 20th century, no single party ever had sufficient parliamentary support to govern Thailand on its own; so, even when the military was not directly governing, it was able to decisively influence weak coalitions of civilian parties. That changed in 2001, and parties linked to Thaksin have dominated all elections held since 2001 — but those governments have been brought down by 3 military coups since 2006.
Albeit aided by a slew of rule-changes aimed at handicapping Pheu Thai and benefitting his own Palang Pracharat party, Prime Minister (and retired General) Prayuth Chan-ocha has now pulled off a peaceful electoral coup. In a sensational upset, Prayuth’s political vehicle (Palang Pracharat) won the nationwide popular vote count — albeit by declaring 6% of the votes cast invalid. Given that the composition of the House is based on proportional representation, Palang Pracharat is likely to be a very close second to Pheu Thai in the number of seats held in the House. (Pheu Thai won 137 of the 350 constituencies, to 97 for Palang Pracharat). Although the Future Forward party led by businessman Thanathorn will be the third-largest party in the House (and will likely align with Pheu Thai), the next two parties (Bumjaithai and Democrat) are likely to support Prayuth. With the support of all 250 Senators, the Prayuth-led coalition will have an overwhelming majority in a joint Senate-House sitting — which is where the Prime Minister is chosen.
Prayuth will thus go down in Thailand’s history as a military-turned-civilian leader in the pantheon of Phibun (who was PM for 14 years, and the creator of modern Thailand), Sarit (his dynamic successor in the late-1950s) and Prem Tinsulanond (the iconic leader of Thailand in 1980-88 who created the modern Thai economic miracle). While Prayuth’s stewardship of the economy has been uninspiring over the past 5 years, the last two of them were slightly better, with a quickening of real GDP growth to a 4% annual handle. While we expect a period of political instability over the next 6 weeks as the election results are announced and fought over, the ultimate outcome will be a stable government led by Prayuth that will likely complete a decade in office. While growth will be less dynamic than it would be under a Thaksinite government, stability will allow Thai corporates to plan for the medium term (including growing their regional presence, as they have done in the past decade). While we remain cautious about the near-term, we are now moderately positive on Thailand on a 3-6 month view.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
SYNEX’s 4Q18 net profit was at Bt190m (+16%YoY, +18QoQ), in-line with our expectation
Record-high level of sales at Bt10.38bn is the major contributor to impressive 4Q18 performance. Meanwhile , gross margin drops below 4% in the first time due to changing product mix towards more on device segment
SYNEX post 2018 net profit of Bt721m (+15%YoY) driven by 18% increase in revenue
We maintain our positive view toward FY19-20E earnings outlook driven by (1) number of flagship smartphone model launches and new brands for low budget users, Neffos, and, (2) higher sales contribution from high-margins product such as gaming desktops and post-sales services.
We maintain our BUY rating with a new target price of Bt16.80 (previous target price at Bt15.0) derived from 17xPE’2019E, which is the average of the World information and technology sector
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
SYNEX’s 4Q18 net profit was at Bt190m (+16%YoY, +18QoQ), in-line with our expectation
Record-high level of sales at Bt10.38bn is the major contributor to impressive 4Q18 performance. Meanwhile , gross margin drops below 4% in the first time due to changing product mix towards more on device segment
SYNEX post 2018 net profit of Bt721m (+15%YoY) driven by 18% increase in revenue
We maintain our positive view toward FY19-20E earnings outlook driven by (1) number of flagship smartphone model launches and new brands for low budget users, Neffos, and, (2) higher sales contribution from high-margins product such as gaming desktops and post-sales services.
We maintain our BUY rating with a new target price of Bt16.80 (previous target price at Bt15.0) derived from 17xPE’2019E, which is the average of the World information and technology sector
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
This week’s offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarmais filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up pieces. Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section.
Highlights this week include the first individual company report in a Smartkarma Originals series on Indonesian Property from CrossASEAN Insight ProviderJessica Irene on Ciputra Development (CTRA IJ) and the potential for a strong data-driven turnaround over the coming few quarters for Xl Axiata (EXCL IJ) in an Insight from our friends at New Street Research. On the Macro front CrossASEAN economist Prasenjit K. Basu presents some insightful thoughts on the Singapore Economy.
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
SYNEX’s 4Q18 net profit was at Bt190m (+16%YoY, +18QoQ), in-line with our expectation
Record-high level of sales at Bt10.38bn is the major contributor to impressive 4Q18 performance. Meanwhile , gross margin drops below 4% in the first time due to changing product mix towards more on device segment
SYNEX post 2018 net profit of Bt721m (+15%YoY) driven by 18% increase in revenue
We maintain our positive view toward FY19-20E earnings outlook driven by (1) number of flagship smartphone model launches and new brands for low budget users, Neffos, and, (2) higher sales contribution from high-margins product such as gaming desktops and post-sales services.
We maintain our BUY rating with a new target price of Bt16.80 (previous target price at Bt15.0) derived from 17xPE’2019E, which is the average of the World information and technology sector
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
This week’s offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarmais filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up pieces. Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section.
Highlights this week include the first individual company report in a Smartkarma Originals series on Indonesian Property from CrossASEAN Insight ProviderJessica Irene on Ciputra Development (CTRA IJ) and the potential for a strong data-driven turnaround over the coming few quarters for Xl Axiata (EXCL IJ) in an Insight from our friends at New Street Research. On the Macro front CrossASEAN economist Prasenjit K. Basu presents some insightful thoughts on the Singapore Economy.
Asian currencies are, in general, well supported by economic fundamentals in the form of external surpluses and interest rate differentials. Indeed, most Asian currencies display an appreciating bias, contrary to perceptions in 2018 when all of them lost ground to the US dollar. Over the last year the underlying external strength has been reflected in Asian currency appreciation against the US dollar.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
Thailand went to the polls for the first time in six years last Sunday. The Election Commission will release results for 94% of the vote this Friday, with full and confirmed results released on 9 May. An elected government will be restored but the game has been rigged by the amended 2017 Constitution which allows the military to appoint the 250-strong Senate.
We asked our long-time Thai political correspondent, Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University, to have a look at Thailand’s political history and to give us his views on the likely outcome. Dr. Thitinan forecasts the return of Prayut Chan-Ocha as prime minister but at the head of a very weak government in what looks likely to be a Pheu Thai coalition in the lower house. Thai politics looks set to become fractious, and interesting, once again.
With over 90% of the votes counted, the Thaksinite party Peau Thai currently leads with a razor-thin margin of 10 seats, which will be easily overwhelmed by at least 200+ senators who will certainly support the Army faction that appointed them.
This ensures policy continuity. The Thaksinite lead is simply too small to justify a mass protest and political uncertainty feared by foreign investors. The stock market reacted counter-intuitively by falling, and this seems like a good opportunity to buy from our vantage point.
The strong showing of newbie party Future Forward, now Thailand’s third largest, should benefit TSC (Thai Steel Cable) on the sentiment level. Thanatorn’s uncle Suriya is part of the pro-Army party, though joining the government bloc may be tricky given Future Forward’s campaign stance.
The Democrats performed poorly, losing much of their seats in both Bangkok and Southern Thailand (their home base), to Future Forward and Pracharat respectively. However, they may still end up in the government if Future Forward doesn’t pounce on the opportunity.
Bhumjaithai was the only swing vote party that did well in this election, emerging as number 4. At the moment, they are the most likely party for the pro-Army government, given their friendly and flexible stance prior to the elections. The Party Leader’s family controls STEC.
Energy Transfer LP (ET US) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA LN) have signed a Project Framework Agreement to further develop a large-scale LNG export facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana and move toward a potential final investment decision (FID). They have started actively engaging with LNG Engineering, Procurement and Contracting (EPC) companies with a plan to issue an Invitation to Tender (ITT) in the weeks ahead. We look at the potential contract size and winners and also the other US LNG projects that could be negatively impacted. More detail on the LNG project queue for this year in: A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies.
After 18 years, the Thai (military) establishment has finally tamed Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2019 election, the first one since 2001 in which a party linked to Thaksin has not won a plurality. Since the military coup of 1932, Thailand’s most stable and powerful institution has been the military — preserving order and continuity. In the 20th century, no single party ever had sufficient parliamentary support to govern Thailand on its own; so, even when the military was not directly governing, it was able to decisively influence weak coalitions of civilian parties. That changed in 2001, and parties linked to Thaksin have dominated all elections held since 2001 — but those governments have been brought down by 3 military coups since 2006.
Albeit aided by a slew of rule-changes aimed at handicapping Pheu Thai and benefitting his own Palang Pracharat party, Prime Minister (and retired General) Prayuth Chan-ocha has now pulled off a peaceful electoral coup. In a sensational upset, Prayuth’s political vehicle (Palang Pracharat) won the nationwide popular vote count — albeit by declaring 6% of the votes cast invalid. Given that the composition of the House is based on proportional representation, Palang Pracharat is likely to be a very close second to Pheu Thai in the number of seats held in the House. (Pheu Thai won 137 of the 350 constituencies, to 97 for Palang Pracharat). Although the Future Forward party led by businessman Thanathorn will be the third-largest party in the House (and will likely align with Pheu Thai), the next two parties (Bumjaithai and Democrat) are likely to support Prayuth. With the support of all 250 Senators, the Prayuth-led coalition will have an overwhelming majority in a joint Senate-House sitting — which is where the Prime Minister is chosen.
Prayuth will thus go down in Thailand’s history as a military-turned-civilian leader in the pantheon of Phibun (who was PM for 14 years, and the creator of modern Thailand), Sarit (his dynamic successor in the late-1950s) and Prem Tinsulanond (the iconic leader of Thailand in 1980-88 who created the modern Thai economic miracle). While Prayuth’s stewardship of the economy has been uninspiring over the past 5 years, the last two of them were slightly better, with a quickening of real GDP growth to a 4% annual handle. While we expect a period of political instability over the next 6 weeks as the election results are announced and fought over, the ultimate outcome will be a stable government led by Prayuth that will likely complete a decade in office. While growth will be less dynamic than it would be under a Thaksinite government, stability will allow Thai corporates to plan for the medium term (including growing their regional presence, as they have done in the past decade). While we remain cautious about the near-term, we are now moderately positive on Thailand on a 3-6 month view.
This week’s offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarmais filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up pieces. Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section.
In Part 5 of a Smartkarma Originals series, Indonesia Property – In Search of the End of the Rainbow – Part 5 – Summarecon Agung (SMRA IJ), CrossASEAN Insight Provider Jessica Irenelooks in detail at this leading township developer. The company has over 40 years of track record and a combined development area of over 2,700ha. The company benefits from its exposure to the popular Serpong district, but an over-expansion, coupled with tightening property regulations caused its balance sheet to suffer in the following years. Earnings have declined by -19% Cagr over the past five years as a consequence of lower margins and burgeoning debt levels. The company has plans to divest its retail mall division, which can serve as a positive catalyst in the near term. Improving sentiment and better interest rate environment, as well as positive regulatory tailwinds, should be a driver to SMRA’s share price this year. We see a 44% upside to our target price of IDR1,408 per share.
In Singapore Real Deals (Issue 5): The Largest Condominium in Singapore, Anni Kum presents a fortnightly property digest that takes you through the peculiarities of Singapore’s real estate market. In this issue, she looks at the launch of Treasure at Tampines in District 18, the largest condominium in Singapore to-date. (Official launch last weekend).
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
This week’s offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarmais filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up pieces. Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section.
Highlights this week include the first individual company report in a Smartkarma Originals series on Indonesian Property from CrossASEAN Insight ProviderJessica Irene on Ciputra Development (CTRA IJ) and the potential for a strong data-driven turnaround over the coming few quarters for Xl Axiata (EXCL IJ) in an Insight from our friends at New Street Research. On the Macro front CrossASEAN economist Prasenjit K. Basu presents some insightful thoughts on the Singapore Economy.
Asian currencies are, in general, well supported by economic fundamentals in the form of external surpluses and interest rate differentials. Indeed, most Asian currencies display an appreciating bias, contrary to perceptions in 2018 when all of them lost ground to the US dollar. Over the last year the underlying external strength has been reflected in Asian currency appreciation against the US dollar.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL SP)owns 40.95% in FPT and also 39.92% in GOLD. FPT’s director Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi (the son of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi), via his majority-controlled vehicleUniventures Public (UV TB), holds 39.28% in GOLD. Panote is also the vice-chairman of GOLD.
Presumably, both FPL and Univentures will tender into the Offer giving FPT a minimum holding of 80.2%. There were no specific minimum acceptance conditions attached to the tender offer mentioned in the announcement.
Should FPP secure 90% of GOLD in the tender offer, it may proceed with its delisting. A voluntary delisting is still achievable with ~80% in the bag, but that is conditional on <10% of shareholders not voting against.
Preconditions to the commencement of the tender offer include the approval from disinterested shareholders in FPP, approval from “relevant contractual parties of GOLD and GOLD’s subsidiaries” and the approval from the Office of Trade Competition Commission.
The fact the Sirivadhanabhakdi family already holds, directly/indirectly ~80% in GOLD, such regulatory approvals should be forthcoming.
This appears a done deal. The only apparent risk is the expected shareholder vote of Univentures wherein Panote will likely need to abstain.
Currently trading at a gross/annualized spread of 1.8%/4.3% assuming early August payment. Very tight, suggesting investors are more likely angling for the back-end.
This week’s offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarmais filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up pieces. Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section.
Highlights this week include the first individual company report in a Smartkarma Originals series on Indonesian Property from CrossASEAN Insight ProviderJessica Irene on Ciputra Development (CTRA IJ) and the potential for a strong data-driven turnaround over the coming few quarters for Xl Axiata (EXCL IJ) in an Insight from our friends at New Street Research. On the Macro front CrossASEAN economist Prasenjit K. Basu presents some insightful thoughts on the Singapore Economy.
Asian currencies are, in general, well supported by economic fundamentals in the form of external surpluses and interest rate differentials. Indeed, most Asian currencies display an appreciating bias, contrary to perceptions in 2018 when all of them lost ground to the US dollar. Over the last year the underlying external strength has been reflected in Asian currency appreciation against the US dollar.
According to SEMI, North American (NA) WFE sales for January 2019 fell to $1.9 billion, down ~10% sequentially and ~20% YoY. This was an abrupt reversal of the recovery trend implied by the December 2018 sales of $2.1 billion and is the biggest monthly sales YoY decline since June 2013.
Just as declining monthly WFE sales preceded the current semiconductor downturn by some six months, the continuation of December’s MoM WFE decline reversal trend was a prerequisite for a second half recovery in the broader semiconductor sector. With that trend well and truly broken, we now anticipate a more delayed, gradual and prolonged recovery, one which is now unlikely to materialise until late third, early fourth quarter 2019.
Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma
Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.
