ASEAN Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Angus Mackintosh

ASEAN Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

Equity Bottom-Up

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> released a solid set of 1H2021 results, which underlined its resilience in the face of COVID-19 but a real stand out from the numbers were the ongoing successes from its digital strategies both in terms of promoting products through online expos, as well as the continuing growth in both of transactional and digital banking franchises. 
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/BBCA:IJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PT Bank Central Asia</a> recently announced that it will invest US$200m into its digital arm to fend off competition from new entrants to digital banking.
The bank will use the fresh funds to help Blu to increase market share ahead of an IPO within the next two years. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> plans to increase Blu’s capital to IDR4tn (US$278m), from around IDR1tn currently.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> will focus on winning more merchants, partners, and customers for Blu and intends to maintain a majority stake in the entity after listing.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> is already well ahead of its peers and any digital player on mobile banking and is Indonesia's leading bank in terms of transactional banking.
The bank saw 54% of all transactions by value and 86% of transactions by volume going through mobile or internet banking in 1H2021. This gives it access to high levels of CASA, providing the bank with a very low cost of funds.
Our view is that new digital players are more likely to take market share from smaller banks rather than <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> and see the bank maintaining its lead in transactional banking in Indonesia. Blu also has the advantage of being backed by a well-known and trusted lender, which will help to attract new customers. 
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-central-asia-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:440:1" rel="noopener">Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ)</a> trades on 4x FY21E PBV and is forecast to generate an ROE of 15.5% for FY21E and 17.0% in FY22E. It is one of the best-managed banks in Indonesia with a very strong risk management culture combined with a dynamic and innovative management culture, which coupled with its lead in transactional banking, allows the bank to command a significant premium over its peers.

Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) released a solid set of 1H2021 results, which underlined its resilience in the face of COVID-19 but a real stand out from the numbers were the ongoing successes from its digital strategies both in terms of promoting products through online expos, as well as the continuing growth in both of transactional and digital banking franchises. 
PT Bank Central Asia recently announced that it will invest US$200m into its digital arm to fend off competition from new entrants to digital banking.
The bank will use the fresh funds to help Blu to increase market share ahead of an IPO within the next two years. Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) plans to increase Blu’s capital to IDR4tn (US$278m), from around IDR1tn currently.
Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) will focus on winning more merchants, partners, and customers for Blu and intends to maintain a majority stake in the entity after listing.
Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) is already well ahead of its peers and any digital player on mobile banking and is Indonesia's leading bank in terms of transactional banking.
The bank saw 54% of all transactions by value and 86% of transactions by volume going through mobile or internet banking in 1H2021. This gives it access to high levels of CASA, providing the bank with a very low cost of funds.
Our view is that new digital players are more likely to take market share from smaller banks rather than Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) and see the bank maintaining its lead in transactional banking in Indonesia. Blu also has the advantage of being backed by a well-known and trusted lender, which will help to attract new customers. 
Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) trades on 4x FY21E PBV and is forecast to generate an ROE of 15.5% for FY21E and 17.0% in FY22E. It is one of the best-managed banks in Indonesia with a very strong risk management culture combined with a dynamic and innovative management culture, which coupled with its lead in transactional banking, allows the bank to command a significant premium over its peers. 

PT Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) - The Future Is Blu

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Event-Driven

<div>Kakao Bank (KB), South Korea’s largest digital bank, raised US$2.2bn in its South Korean IPO. It ended the first day of trading up 79% from its IPO price. </div><div>We have covered various aspects of the deal in our previous notes:</div><div><ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kakao-bank-ipo-riding-on-parent-s-network-but-boundaries-with-kakao-pay-remain-unclear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kakao Bank IPO - Riding on parents network but boundaries with Kakao Pay remain unclear</a>, </li>
<li><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kakao-bank-ipo-pricey-as-it-should-be" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kakao Bank IPO - Pricey as It Should Be</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kakao-bank-ipo-lack-of-lock-up-and-msci-ftse-index-implications" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kakao Bank IPO - Lack of Lock-Up and MSCI, FTSE Index Implications, and</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kakao-bank-ipo-trading-one-for-instis-closer-look-at-ftse-and-msci-inclusion-remain-buyers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kakao Bank IPO Trading - One for Instis, Closer Look at FTSE and MSCI Inclusion. Remain Buyers</a></li>
</ul></div><div>In this note, we will talk about the first day trading and index inclusion.</div>

Kakao Bank (KB), South Korea’s largest digital bank, raised US$2.2bn in its South Korean IPO. It ended the first day of trading up 79% from its IPO price. We have covered various aspects of the deal in our previous notes:

Kakao Bank IPO - Riding on parents network but boundaries with Kakao Pay remain unclear, 
Kakao Bank IPO - Pricey as It Should Be
Kakao Bank IPO - Lack of Lock-Up and MSCI, FTSE Index Implications, and
Kakao Bank IPO Trading - One for Instis, Closer Look at FTSE and MSCI Inclusion. Remain Buyers
In this note, we will talk about the first day trading and index inclusion.

Kakao Bank - MSCI Done, Missed FTSE by a Whisker.

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> has just announced plans for a long-awaited rights issue, representing 23.25% of its total equity, which potentially lifts an overhang for the bank.
Part of the proceeds of the rights issue will be used to acquire government pawnshop operator, PT Pegadaian, as well as ultra-micro lender PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNN). 
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indo-agroniaga" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16626:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ)</a>,  a subsidiary of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a>, has already been selected as its digital banking arm. Given that there is significant excess capital being generated from this rights issue after the expropriation value on the acquisitions, we see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indo-agroniaga" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16626:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ)</a> as a potential recipient of some of this new capital.
One notable digital player which has yet to enter the space in Indonesia is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab</a> and there is already a relationship between <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a>, with the bank's venture capital arm recently investing in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab</a>. 
We see a strong likelihood of some form of collaboration between <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indo-agroniaga" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16626:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ)</a>, which would be mutually beneficial.
We take a positive view on both <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indonesia-persero" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:484:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ)</a> after the announcement of the rights issue, with approval likely on 22nd July. We also like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-rakyat-indo-agroniaga" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16626:1" rel="noopener">Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ)</a>, more especially if it ties up with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grabtaxi-holdings-pte-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26950:1" rel="noopener">Grab</a>.

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) has just announced plans for a long-awaited rights issue, representing 23.25% of its total equity, which potentially lifts an overhang for the bank.
Part of the proceeds of the rights issue will be used to acquire government pawnshop operator, PT Pegadaian, as well as ultra-micro lender PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNN). 
Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ),  a subsidiary of Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ), has already been selected as its digital banking arm. Given that there is significant excess capital being generated from this rights issue after the expropriation value on the acquisitions, we see Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ) as a potential recipient of some of this new capital.
One notable digital player which has yet to enter the space in Indonesia is Grab and there is already a relationship between Grab and Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ), with the bank's venture capital arm recently investing in Grab. 
We see a strong likelihood of some form of collaboration between Grab and Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ), which would be mutually beneficial.
We take a positive view on both Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero (BBRI IJ) after the announcement of the rights issue, with approval likely on 22nd July. We also like Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ), more especially if it ties up with Grab.

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Ultra-Micro and Digital Aspirations in Place

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets, JapanConsuming

Michael Causton

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets

Real Insight on Japanese Consumer Markets

JapanConsuming

JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, JapanConsuming has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. As well as a highly regarded monthly report on the market, JapanConsuming produces in-depth reports on retail sectors, seminars on key trends and telephone consulting to investors on trends and retailers.

JapanConsuming was founded by Michael Causton and Roy Larke. 

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/line-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22772:1" rel="noopener">LINE Corp (3938 JP)'s </a>new collaboration with Staff Start is a huge boost to the fledgling omnichannel service provider but also helps cement LINE's role at the heart of omnichannel customer services and Live Commerce. Given LINE's new role at the heart of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/z-holdings-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19603:1" rel="noopener">Z Holdings (4689 JP)'s </a>digital ecosystem, it is likely that Staff Start will be adopted across the group and maybe even become another subsidiary.Staff Start is a phenomenon. What started as a simple digital tool to help retailers post blogs online has become a full-service marketing platform used by more than 1,200 brands and retailers across fashion, food, home and sports, up from 700 two years ago.Staff Start has seen sales jump three-fold in the last year alone.The top selling shop staff manage sales of as much as ¥90 million a month, with a record for a single post of ¥13 million, so clearly a marketing method that works. Staff blogging has become a vital tool for many retailers, with one claiming 40% of direct online sales come from staff generated online content.The benefits of the deal will provide yet further challenges to rivals, especially <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rakuten-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31:1" rel="noopener">Rakuten Inc (4755 JP).</a>

LINE Corp (3938 JP)'s new collaboration with Staff Start is a huge boost to the fledgling omnichannel service provider but also helps cement LINE's role at the heart of omnichannel customer services and Live Commerce. Given LINE's new role at the heart of Z Holdings (4689 JP)'s digital ecosystem, it is likely that Staff Start will be adopted across the group and maybe even become another subsidiary.Staff Start is a phenomenon. What started as a simple digital tool to help retailers post blogs online has become a full-service marketing platform used by more than 1,200 brands and retailers across fashion, food, home and sports, up from 700 two years ago.Staff Start has seen sales jump three-fold in the last year alone.The top selling shop staff manage sales of as much as ¥90 million a month, with a record for a single post of ¥13 million, so clearly a marketing method that works. Staff blogging has become a vital tool for many retailers, with one claiming 40% of direct online sales come from staff generated online content.The benefits of the deal will provide yet further challenges to rivals, especially Rakuten Inc (4755 JP).

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Traditionally, telecom companies in mature markets are "easy."  Infrastructure is basically built, but there is always maintenance and capex to upgrade throughput. Churn is low. Customers occasionally add on new services. They are generally cash machines. Comparing telcos is often reasonably easy. Mostly it comes down to how aggressively the company prices to customers, how it seeks non-standard revenue off its infrastructure and sales base, or how it returns capital to shareholders. <div class="content-highlight">Every now and then, a telecom company gets complicated. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27445:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Corp (9434 JP)</a> is now one of those companies.</div>The issue is now significant enough that one should avoid using EBIT or EBITDA (or EBITDA less capex) for Softbank Corp as a comparative tool to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nippon-telegraph-telephone-corporation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:623:1" rel="noopener">NTT (Nippon Telegraph &amp; Telephone) (9432 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kddi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:639:1" rel="noopener">KDDI Corp (9433 JP)</a> without more clarity. There is recently a new kicker involved too, which means one should probably consider Softbank Corp differently than the other two for OTHER reasons too.

Traditionally, telecom companies in mature markets are "easy."  Infrastructure is basically built, but there is always maintenance and capex to upgrade throughput. Churn is low. Customers occasionally add on new services. They are generally cash machines. Comparing telcos is often reasonably easy. Mostly it comes down to how aggressively the company prices to customers, how it seeks non-standard revenue off its infrastructure and sales base, or how it returns capital to shareholders. Every now and then, a telecom company gets complicated. Softbank Corp (9434 JP) is now one of those companies.The issue is now significant enough that one should avoid using EBIT or EBITDA (or EBITDA less capex) for Softbank Corp as a comparative tool to NTT (Nippon Telegraph &amp; Telephone) (9432 JP) and KDDI Corp (9433 JP) without more clarity. There is recently a new kicker involved too, which means one should probably consider Softbank Corp differently than the other two for OTHER reasons too. 

Softbank Corp - Accounting for The Accounting Is Complicated

Japan

A Holdings Corporation develops and operates the LINE application for smartphones. The Company offers games distribution, music distribution, advertisements, and other services. A Holdings serves clients across worldwide.

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A Holdings (3938 JP)

PT Bank Central Asia (BBCA IJ) - The Future Is Blu

Bank Centra Asia will inject more funds into its standalone digital bank BCA Digital or Blu to help fend off competition from new digital players...

Angus Mackintosh

Kakao Bank - MSCI Done, Missed FTSE by a Whisker.

Kakao Bank (KB), South Korea’s largest digital bank, raised US$2.2bn in its South Korean IPO. It ended the first day of trading up 79% from its IPO...

Sumeet Singh

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI IJ) - Ultra-Micro and Digital Aspirations in Place

We are positive Bank Rakyat Indonesia after the announcement of a long-awaited rights issue. We also like Bank Rakyat Indo Agroniaga (AGRO IJ),...

Angus Mackintosh

LINE Ties with Staff Start

LINE has a promising new jv with Staff Start, which facilitates omnichannel retailing and which has tripled GTVs in a year and which generates...

Michael Causton

Softbank Corp - Accounting for The Accounting Is Complicated

Softbank Corporation is more expensive than it appears when one uses traditional telco metrics such as EV/EBITDA or EV/OP multiples. It's all in...

Travis Lundy

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