Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector, Investory

Devi Subhakesan

Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector

ASIA CONSUMER: INSIGHTS AND INVESTMENT IDEAS

Investory

Investory is a Singapore-based boutique independent equity research firm founded in January 2017 with a primary focus on consumption themes across Asia-Pacific.

We aim to generate investible ideas based on consumption trends and outlook. We screen our ideas on several parameters - product potential, long-term growth and management commitment being the most critical.  We follow a fundamental analysis approach in our stock selection process and are not restricted by market cap.

We aspire to grow into a leading source of unbiased research, free of conflict of interest, for investors yearning for independent and disciplined analysis. 

We also undertake bespoke research mandates to support our Institutional clients’ investment needs.

Our team comprises of professionals with extensive experience in the Asian equity markets, in areas ranging from research, servicing institutional clients and investment management.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>The upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System and the ease of cross-border movements could impact Singapore’s retail sector as more consumers may choose to spend across the border.</li>
<li>DFI Retail CEO cited this as rationale for exiting Singapore based grocery retail business under Cold Storage and Giant's brands. Sheng Siong group said it will carefully monitor this development.</li>
<li>Singapore retail prices for branded consumer discretionary and staples are between 30%-50% higher than in Malaysia. With greater ease of commute and shipping, this price differential may not be sustainable.</li>
</ul>


The upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System and the ease of cross-border movements could impact Singapore’s retail sector as more consumers may choose to spend across the border.
DFI Retail CEO cited this as rationale for exiting Singapore based grocery retail business under Cold Storage and Giant's brands. Sheng Siong group said it will carefully monitor this development.
Singapore retail prices for branded consumer discretionary and staples are between 30%-50% higher than in Malaysia. With greater ease of commute and shipping, this price differential may not be sustainable.


Singapore Retail Sector: Will It Be Impacted by Improved Connectivity with Malaysia?

<ul>
<li>Strong recovery in 1H2024 profit growth YoY was driven by margin improvements in the food and convenience segments.</li>
<li>Double-Digit sales growth in the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods segment boosted margins, offsetting reduced cigarette volumes from last year's tax increases in Hong Kong.</li>
<li>While weak consumer confidence in North Asia impacted sales, good growth in the expanding Southeast Asia business provided a positive offset.</li>
</ul>


Strong recovery in 1H2024 profit growth YoY was driven by margin improvements in the food and convenience segments.
Double-Digit sales growth in the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods segment boosted margins, offsetting reduced cigarette volumes from last year's tax increases in Hong Kong.
While weak consumer confidence in North Asia impacted sales, good growth in the expanding Southeast Asia business provided a positive offset.


DFI Retail (DFI SP): 1H2024.Pivoting to Profitable Growth with RTE Foods

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

Jardine Matheson Southeast Asia / Event-Driven

Jardine Matheson Southeast Asia (JCNC SP)

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jardine-cycle-carriage-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:347:1" rel="noopener">Jardine Cycle &amp; Carriage (JCNC SP)</a>'s current implied stub value is around its highest-ever level.</li>
<li>The simple ratio of JCNC/<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/astra-international-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:46:1" rel="noopener">Astra International (ASII IJ)</a> is around its highest level outside the 2008 GFC.</li>
<li>A weak Indonesian rupiah is likely a factor. Still, JCNC is trading rich to its NAV. A takeover from parent <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jardine-matheson-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19718:1" rel="noopener">Jardine Matheson Holdings (JM SP)</a> is idealistic.</li>
</ul>



Jardine Cycle &amp; Carriage (JCNC SP)'s current implied stub value is around its highest-ever level.
The simple ratio of JCNC/Astra International (ASII IJ) is around its highest level outside the 2008 GFC.
A weak Indonesian rupiah is likely a factor. Still, JCNC is trading rich to its NAV. A takeover from parent Jardine Matheson Holdings (JM SP) is idealistic.


CEO, A. Stotz Investment Research

Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA

Quantamental Investing to beat Benchmarks

A. Stotz Investment Research

We pick stocks. We construct portfolios. All our effort is focused on how to better pick stocks and construct portfolios. We serve fund management companies, family offices, and high net worth individuals.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>We highlight 14 stocks in ASEAN that look interesting to us based on our FVMR Methodology</li>
<li>Portfolio changes: Five stocks remain, nine stocks added into portfolio</li>
<li>Since its inception, the portfolio has generated a before-fee total return of 333% versus MSCI ASEAN’s 83%</li>
</ul>


We highlight 14 stocks in ASEAN that look interesting to us based on our FVMR Methodology
Portfolio changes: Five stocks remain, nine stocks added into portfolio
Since its inception, the portfolio has generated a before-fee total return of 333% versus MSCI ASEAN’s 83%


<ul>
<li>We highlight 14 stocks in Asia that look interesting to us based on our FVMR methodology</li>
<li>Portfolio changes: Four stocks remain, 10 new join the fray</li>
<li>Since its inception, it has generated a before-fee total return of 332% versus the MSCI Asia ex Japan of 216%</li>
</ul>


We highlight 14 stocks in Asia that look interesting to us based on our FVMR methodology
Portfolio changes: Four stocks remain, 10 new join the fray
Since its inception, it has generated a before-fee total return of 332% versus the MSCI Asia ex Japan of 216%


Hong Kong

DFI Retail Group is a leading pan-Asian retailer operating supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, health and beauty stores, home furnishings stores, and restaurants. The company manages a portfolio of well-known brands including Wellcome, 7-Eleven, Mannings, Guardian, and IKEA. DFI Retail Group was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.

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DFI Retail Group (DFI SP)

Singapore Retail Sector: Will It Be Impacted by Improved Connectivity with Malaysia?

Singapore's branded consumer retail margins and retail rental yield are at risk when easier border crossing access to Malaysia could prompt more...

Devi Subhakesan

DFI Retail (DFI SP): 1H2024.Pivoting to Profitable Growth with RTE Foods

Green shoots of improving margins vs weak consumer sentiment impacting sales. Improving profit margins makes the stock attractive, given limited...

Devi Subhakesan

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Is A Short

Jardine Cycle & Carriage's premium to NAV is not justifiable. I'd look to reverse the stub here - Short JCNC, Long Astra.

David Blennerhassett

The Stocks to Own in ASEAN – Vol. 56

We highlight 14 stocks in ASEAN that look interesting to us based on our FVMR Methodology. Portfolio changes: Five stocks remain; nine stocks were...

A. Stotz Investment Research

The Stocks to Own in Asia – Vol. 54

We highlight 14 stocks in Asia that look interesting to us based on our FVMR methodology. Portfolio changes: Four stocks remain, 10 new join the fray.

A. Stotz Investment Research

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