Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

Equity Bottom-Up

<p><strong><em>*Poor Quarter:</em></strong> Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 4Q20 earnings of HKD 2.9 bn, declining HKD 522 mn (15.6%) linked quarter. Results were challenged on many fronts, as evidenced by HKEX’ negative operating jaws during the period, whereby revenues declined HKD 210 mn (4.0%) whilst expenses jumped HKD 187 mn (13.2%)– pushing its C/I ratio higher by 480 bp to 31.4%; and</p><p><strong><em>*Stamp Dutied: </em></strong>Despite the poor showing during 4Q20, the real story for HKEX is the issue of the stamp duty which likely will impact earnings and market sentiment for the foreseeable future. Given the financial stress of the pandemic on the finances of the Hong Kong government,  on February 24, 2021 it was announced that there would be a 3 bp or 30% increase in the stamp duty to help offset the government budget deficit.</p>

*Poor Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 4Q20 earnings of HKD 2.9 bn, declining HKD 522 mn (15.6%) linked quarter. Results were challenged on many fronts, as evidenced by HKEX’ negative operating jaws during the period, whereby revenues declined HKD 210 mn (4.0%) whilst expenses jumped HKD 187 mn (13.2%)– pushing its C/I ratio higher by 480 bp to 31.4%; and*Stamp Dutied: Despite the poor showing during 4Q20, the real story for HKEX is the issue of the stamp duty which likely will impact earnings and market sentiment for the foreseeable future. Given the financial stress of the pandemic on the finances of the Hong Kong government,  on February 24, 2021 it was announced that there would be a 3 bp or 30% increase in the stamp duty to help offset the government budget deficit.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hitting The Wall

Genworth Financial Inc Cl A / Equity Bottom-Up

<p><em><strong>*Aussie Business Weakens Again: </strong></em>Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia (GMA.AU) [GMA] reported a FY 2H20 bottom-line loss of AUD 17.6 mn. Despite the loss, the level was an improvement of AUD 72.4 mn over the AUD 90.0 mn loss posted in FY 1H20. You simply cannot earn money if your combined ratio is 137.7% - albeit an improvement over the 215.0% posted during the previous half. Despite the expense ratio improvement of 127.4% to 20.5%, the claims ratio increase of 50.1% to 117.1% acted as quite the offset and drove the loss as the 4Q20 refinement of reserving due to COVID-19 related factors was the primary culprit; and</p><p><strong><em>*Genworth Still Waiting To Clear That Chinese Wall:</em></strong> China Oceanwide (715.HK) still does not have the money to consummate the Genworth Financial (GNW.US) [Genworth] transaction – missing its merger agreement deadline for the 17<sup>th</sup> time<sup> </sup>on December 31, 2020.  While the merger agreement still remains in effect, management does “not believe a closing can occur in the near-term”, as Genworth (with no other option) continued to play this same old tired game with China Oceanwide by extending its merger agreement deadline.</p>

*Aussie Business Weakens Again: Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia (GMA.AU) [GMA] reported a FY 2H20 bottom-line loss of AUD 17.6 mn. Despite the loss, the level was an improvement of AUD 72.4 mn over the AUD 90.0 mn loss posted in FY 1H20. You simply cannot earn money if your combined ratio is 137.7% - albeit an improvement over the 215.0% posted during the previous half. Despite the expense ratio improvement of 127.4% to 20.5%, the claims ratio increase of 50.1% to 117.1% acted as quite the offset and drove the loss as the 4Q20 refinement of reserving due to COVID-19 related factors was the primary culprit; and*Genworth Still Waiting To Clear That Chinese Wall: China Oceanwide (715.HK) still does not have the money to consummate the Genworth Financial (GNW.US) [Genworth] transaction – missing its merger agreement deadline for the 17th time on December 31, 2020.  While the merger agreement still remains in effect, management does “not believe a closing can occur in the near-term”, as Genworth (with no other option) continued to play this same old tired game with China Oceanwide by extending its merger agreement deadline.

Genworth Financial – Wrong Time For An Aussie Fail

<p><strong><em>*No Deal, Move On: </em></strong>China Oceanwide (715.HK) still does not have the money to consummate the Genworth Financial (GNW.US) [Genworth] transaction – missing its merger agreement deadline for the 17<sup>th</sup> time<sup> </sup>on December 31, 2020.  Genworth announced that while the merger agreement still remains in effect, management does “not believe a closing can occur in the near-term”; and  </p><p><strong><em>*Update Call January 5, 2021: </em></strong>Genworth is hosting a pre-market update call on January 5, 2021 which should provide more color on its contingency plans.</p>

*No Deal, Move On: China Oceanwide (715.HK) still does not have the money to consummate the Genworth Financial (GNW.US) [Genworth] transaction – missing its merger agreement deadline for the 17th time on December 31, 2020.  Genworth announced that while the merger agreement still remains in effect, management does “not believe a closing can occur in the near-term”; and  *Update Call January 5, 2021: Genworth is hosting a pre-market update call on January 5, 2021 which should provide more color on its contingency plans.

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

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<p>On the 12 October,  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/link-administration-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:970:1" rel="noopener">Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU)</a> <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292481-2A1255763?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a conditional, non-binding indicative proposal from a consortium comprising PEP and the Carlyle Group, by way of a Scheme. The indicative cash price was A$5.20/share, a 30% premium to last close. Perpetual, holding 9.65% of shares out, said it would vote for a firm Offer of $5.20/share and above.</p>
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<div>On the 23 October, Link <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02297758-2A1258281?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the proposal from PEP/Carlyle "<em>materially undervalued the company</em>". </div>
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<div>Three days later PEP/Carlyle <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02298663-2A1258716?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tabled</a> a A$5.40/share non-binding indicative Offer, in cash. The proposal includes an option of a cash offer for Link ex-Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) of A$3.80/share, along with the ability to take an indirect interest in PEXA. Shareholders with <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02298654-2A1258715?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14.62%</a> of shares out stated their intention to vote in favour of PEP/Carlyle's latest proposal, in the absence of a superior offer.</div>
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<p>PEP/Carlyle said it required six weeks of due diligence, and if DD access was not provided by the 28 October, they would walk. Link <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02300645-2A1259592?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">responded</a> that the proposal was not compelling - but gave the consortium DD access nonetheless.</p>
<h3>The New News</h3>
<p>Software provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ss-c-technologies-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3464:1" rel="noopener">Ss&amp;C Technologies (SSNC US)</a> has now pitched a non-binding indicative proposal, by way of Scheme, at A$5.65/share, 4.6% above PEP/Carlyle's proposal.</p>
<p>Conditions to this proposal largely mirror that of PEP/Carlyle's: confirmatory DD, obtaining debt financing, FIRB (and ACCC). And no further dividends.</p>
<p>Less than six weeks ago, Link's board said a $5.40/share Offer did not represent compelling value for Link. It is difficult to believe an offer 4.6% higher will change that view.</p>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
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On the 12 October,  Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU) announced a conditional, non-binding indicative proposal from a consortium comprising PEP and the Carlyle Group, by way of a Scheme. The indicative cash price was A$5.20/share, a 30% premium to last close. Perpetual, holding 9.65% of shares out, said it would vote for a firm Offer of $5.20/share and above.


On the 23 October, Link said the proposal from PEP/Carlyle "materially undervalued the company". 

Three days later PEP/Carlyle tabled a A$5.40/share non-binding indicative Offer, in cash. The proposal includes an option of a cash offer for Link ex-Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) of A$3.80/share, along with the ability to take an indirect interest in PEXA. Shareholders with 14.62% of shares out stated their intention to vote in favour of PEP/Carlyle's latest proposal, in the absence of a superior offer.



PEP/Carlyle said it required six weeks of due diligence, and if DD access was not provided by the 28 October, they would walk. Link responded that the proposal was not compelling - but gave the consortium DD access nonetheless.
The New News
Software provider Ss&amp;C Technologies (SSNC US) has now pitched a non-binding indicative proposal, by way of Scheme, at A$5.65/share, 4.6% above PEP/Carlyle's proposal.
Conditions to this proposal largely mirror that of PEP/Carlyle's: confirmatory DD, obtaining debt financing, FIRB (and ACCC). And no further dividends.
Less than six weeks ago, Link's board said a $5.40/share Offer did not represent compelling value for Link. It is difficult to believe an offer 4.6% higher will change that view.
More below the fold.


Link Admin (LNK AU): SS&C Trumps PEP/Carlyle

<p>Back in <a href="https://www.financialstandard.com.au/news/pacific-equity-partners-to-purchase-asx-perpetual-registrars-19426" target="_blank" rel="noopener">August 2005</a>, Private Equity Partners acquired share registry outfit ASX Perpetual Registrars (APR) for ~A$132mn. PEP followed with the acquisition of Telstra's fund administrator Australian Administration Services, which was rebranded Link Administration, which subsequently acquired APR.</p>
<p>After further, substantial investments and tech upgrades, PEP IPO'ed <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/link-administration-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:970:1" rel="noopener">Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU)</a> in October 2015 at $6.37/share, the top end of the range. PEP cleared out its holding in September 2016 at A$8.38/share. </p>
<p>Link has morphed since PEP's exit, significantly growing its domestic and global operations, via the acquisition of UK-based Capital Asset Services in <a href="https://www.linkgroup.com/media/Link-Group-CAPITA-ASSET-SERVICES-Acquisition-web-release.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017</a> (for A$1.493bn); the Property Exchange Australia (known as PEXA), Australia's first digital property settlement platform, acquired by a Link-led consortium (alongside CBA and Morgan Stanley) in 2018 for <a href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3469078/cba-link-group-and-morgan-stanley-snap-up-pexa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1.6bn</a>, which increased Link's shareholding to 44.2% from 19.8%; and the acquisition of Pepper Group's European loan servicing, advisory, and asset management business for A$266mn in January this year.</p>
<h3>The New News</h3>
<p>Link has announced its has received a conditional, non-binding indicative proposal from a consortium comprising PEP and the Carlyle Group, by way of a Scheme. The indicative cash price is A$5.20/share, a 30% premium to last close.</p>
<p>Perpetual, holding 9.65% of shares out, said it would vote for a firm Offer of $5.20/share and above.</p>
<p>This is a non-binding proposal and there is no guarantee a firm offer will unfold. </p>
<p>But this is a business with which PEP is well acquainted, having orchestrated and developed Link's initial business 15 years ago.</p>
<p>As always, more below the fold.</p>

Back in August 2005, Private Equity Partners acquired share registry outfit ASX Perpetual Registrars (APR) for ~A$132mn. PEP followed with the acquisition of Telstra's fund administrator Australian Administration Services, which was rebranded Link Administration, which subsequently acquired APR.
After further, substantial investments and tech upgrades, PEP IPO'ed Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU) in October 2015 at $6.37/share, the top end of the range. PEP cleared out its holding in September 2016 at A$8.38/share. 
Link has morphed since PEP's exit, significantly growing its domestic and global operations, via the acquisition of UK-based Capital Asset Services in 2017 (for A$1.493bn); the Property Exchange Australia (known as PEXA), Australia's first digital property settlement platform, acquired by a Link-led consortium (alongside CBA and Morgan Stanley) in 2018 for $1.6bn, which increased Link's shareholding to 44.2% from 19.8%; and the acquisition of Pepper Group's European loan servicing, advisory, and asset management business for A$266mn in January this year.
The New News
Link has announced its has received a conditional, non-binding indicative proposal from a consortium comprising PEP and the Carlyle Group, by way of a Scheme. The indicative cash price is A$5.20/share, a 30% premium to last close.
Perpetual, holding 9.65% of shares out, said it would vote for a firm Offer of $5.20/share and above.
This is a non-binding proposal and there is no guarantee a firm offer will unfold. 
But this is a business with which PEP is well acquainted, having orchestrated and developed Link's initial business 15 years ago.
As always, more below the fold.

Australia

Computershare Limited operates share registries and computer bureaus which includes the administration of employee share and option plans and the provision of software that specializes in share registry, financial and stock markets. The Company also provides corporate trust services and acts as a trustee for clients' debt offerings in certain markets.

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Computershare Ltd (CPU AU)

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hitting The Wall

HONG KONG EXCHANGES & CLEARING: HKEX reported a 15.6% QOQ decline in 4Q20 earnings, given the period's negative operating jaws. The story is the...

Thomas J. Monaco

Genworth Financial – Wrong Time For An Aussie Fail

GENWORTH FINANCIAL: Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia reported a FY 2H20 bottom-line loss as its combined ratio was 137.7%. China Oceanwide...

Thomas J. Monaco

Genworth Financial –What A Surprise…

GENWORTH FINANCIAL: China Oceanwide Simply Does Not Have The Money To Consummate This Transaction, And Genworth Needs To Move On - But It Wont Be...

Thomas J. Monaco

Link Admin (LNK AU): SS&C Trumps PEP/Carlyle

This remains a non-binding situation, albeit a competitive one. I'd play the spread, and pay at SS&C Technologie's terms.

David Blennerhassett

Link Admin/PEP: All Together Now. Again

Four years after exiting a company it built from scratch, PEP returns with an indicative proposal to take private the largest provider of...

David Blennerhassett

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