Financials & FinTech research, Galliano’s Financials Research

Victor Galliano

Financials & FinTech research

Financials & FinTech, EM & Developed Markets

Galliano’s Financials Research

Galliano's Financials Research provides fundamental research in Emerging Markets financials, including FinTech, as well as financials in select Developed Markets.

The investment style applied is generally value oriented, although Growth At Reasonable Price (GARP) strategies can also be used where appropriate. 

Our investment research approach aim is often contrarian, looking to capitalise on overly sceptical or optimistic consensus views. In terms of valuation techniques, the focus is on PBV ratio to ROE, PE multiples and dividend yield, as well as the application of PEG ratios and, where appropriate, Sum of the Parts (SOTP) valuations.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Itaú Unibanco’s acquisition of an 11.36% stake in XP in April is no strategic move; it is a contractual obligation that remained, after the regulator blocked Itaú’s acquisition plans</li>
<li>This adds to the existing overhang in XP shares, given that fellow XP shareholder Itausa deems its 11.5% XP stake to be non-strategic, having already made disposals through block trades</li>
<li>We remain cautious on XP shares based on the disposal overhang and competitive pressures in Brazilian wealth management undermining XP’s fundamentals; near term, Itausa warrants monitoring on its NAV discount</li>
</ul>


Itaú Unibanco’s acquisition of an 11.36% stake in XP in April is no strategic move; it is a contractual obligation that remained, after the regulator blocked Itaú’s acquisition plans
This adds to the existing overhang in XP shares, given that fellow XP shareholder Itausa deems its 11.5% XP stake to be non-strategic, having already made disposals through block trades
We remain cautious on XP shares based on the disposal overhang and competitive pressures in Brazilian wealth management undermining XP’s fundamentals; near term, Itausa warrants monitoring on its NAV discount


XP (XP US) – Less Demanding Valuations, but the Overhang Still Weighs

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Itausa is trading at an 19.6% discount to the HoldCo’s NAV, with the discount narrowing sharply over the last two months</li>
<li>In addition, after a big increase in the dividend per share announced due to 2021 results, we believe that it is unlikely to see another big increase going forward</li>
<li>Banco Itaú Unibanco, Itausa’s largest investment, is positively geared to the hiking interest rate cycle by the Brazil central bank; we prefer direct exposure to the bank versus the holdco</li>
</ul>


Itausa is trading at an 19.6% discount to the HoldCo’s NAV, with the discount narrowing sharply over the last two months
In addition, after a big increase in the dividend per share announced due to 2021 results, we believe that it is unlikely to see another big increase going forward
Banco Itaú Unibanco, Itausa’s largest investment, is positively geared to the hiking interest rate cycle by the Brazil central bank; we prefer direct exposure to the bank versus the holdco


Itausa (ITSA4 BZ) – Too Narrow a NAV Discount, and the Dividend Yield Is No Longer Compelling

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bradespar-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24510:1" rel="noopener">Bradespar SA (BRAP4 BZ)</a> is an attractive investment, as a discounted vehicle through which to gain exposure to iron ore miner <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vale-sa-7721577f-6c6a-4536-a829-92551c2bcd7f" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27725:1" rel="noopener">Vale SA (VALE3 BZ)</a> </li>
<li>We believe that the current 25% discount to the NAV at Bradespar is excessive, and that this should narrow in the near term</li>
<li>Vale’s fundamentals are robust, supported by s strong iron ore price and, as an exporter, benefiting from a weak BRL</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itausa-investimentos-itau-pr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24513:1" rel="noopener">Itausa-Investimentos Itau-Pr (ITSA4 BZ)</a> is trading close to its long run and 18 month average discount to the NAV; we are neutral on Itausa</li>
<li>Risks to our positive view on Bradespar include a sustained weakening in iron ore prices, a strengthening of the BRL as well as a worsening of sentiment towards Brazil and Latin American equities generally</li>
</ul>



Bradespar SA (BRAP4 BZ) is an attractive investment, as a discounted vehicle through which to gain exposure to iron ore miner Vale SA (VALE3 BZ) 
We believe that the current 25% discount to the NAV at Bradespar is excessive, and that this should narrow in the near term
Vale’s fundamentals are robust, supported by s strong iron ore price and, as an exporter, benefiting from a weak BRL

Itausa-Investimentos Itau-Pr (ITSA4 BZ) is trading close to its long run and 18 month average discount to the NAV; we are neutral on Itausa
Risks to our positive view on Bradespar include a sustained weakening in iron ore prices, a strengthening of the BRL as well as a worsening of sentiment towards Brazil and Latin American equities generally


A Tale of Two Brazilian HoldCos; We Prefer Bradespar (BRAP4 BZ) Over Itausa (ITSA4 BZ)

Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>In the follow-on issue, the primary portion announced by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xp-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28619:1" rel="noopener">XP Inc (XP US)</a>  is small relative to its current market value (c 1.5%), but coupled with the Itaú partial disposal of a maximum 4.3% stake in XP, it creates a clear share over-hang</li>
<li>In addition, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itau-unibanco-holding-sa-9d47d196-e503-471b-a84e-ca4401033062" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24550:1" rel="noopener">Itau Unibanco Holding Sa (ITUB4 BZ)</a>’s spin-off of its remaining stake in XP (c 41.2% post follow-on) into single-purpose company named NewCo was approved by its board on 26<sup>th</sup> November, and shares in the forthcoming NewCo are exempt from any lock-up agreement</li>
<li>HoldCo <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itausa-investimentos-itau-pr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24513:1" rel="noopener">Itausa-Investimentos Itau-Pr (ITSA4 BZ)</a> will become a large shareholder in XP post Itaú Unibanco’s spin-off, and although it has stated that it does not intend to dispose of its stake in the short term, Itausa does not consider the XP stake as a long term, strategic holding</li>
<li>The spin-off, lack of lock-up for spun-off shares and Itausa’s non-strategic classification of its XP holding creates further medium term over-hang for XP shares, in our view, post the follow-on issue; add to this the challenging fundamental outlook (especially related to the IFA “arms race”) and XP’s demanding valuations, it all contributes to our caution on XP shares</li>
<li>We prefer indirect, and diluted, exposure through holdco Itausa, in which we estimate Itausa will have an 15.6% economic stake in XP post follow-on issue and NewCo formation</li>
<li>Risks to our view include better than expected fundamental performance by XP, and less than expected pressure on costs related to incentives for IFAs, which would continue to drive premium growth and justify the premium multiples, and smaller than expected secondary share offerings in XP over the medium term</li>
</ul>


In the follow-on issue, the primary portion announced by XP Inc (XP US)  is small relative to its current market value (c 1.5%), but coupled with the Itaú partial disposal of a maximum 4.3% stake in XP, it creates a clear share over-hang
In addition, Itau Unibanco Holding Sa (ITUB4 BZ)’s spin-off of its remaining stake in XP (c 41.2% post follow-on) into single-purpose company named NewCo was approved by its board on 26th November, and shares in the forthcoming NewCo are exempt from any lock-up agreement
HoldCo Itausa-Investimentos Itau-Pr (ITSA4 BZ) will become a large shareholder in XP post Itaú Unibanco’s spin-off, and although it has stated that it does not intend to dispose of its stake in the short term, Itausa does not consider the XP stake as a long term, strategic holding
The spin-off, lack of lock-up for spun-off shares and Itausa’s non-strategic classification of its XP holding creates further medium term over-hang for XP shares, in our view, post the follow-on issue; add to this the challenging fundamental outlook (especially related to the IFA “arms race”) and XP’s demanding valuations, it all contributes to our caution on XP shares
We prefer indirect, and diluted, exposure through holdco Itausa, in which we estimate Itausa will have an 15.6% economic stake in XP post follow-on issue and NewCo formation
Risks to our view include better than expected fundamental performance by XP, and less than expected pressure on costs related to incentives for IFAs, which would continue to drive premium growth and justify the premium multiples, and smaller than expected secondary share offerings in XP over the medium term


XP (XP US) Follow-On Issue Highlights Over-Hang, Potential for More Share Sales Post Itaú Spin-Off

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itau-unibanco-holding-sa-9d47d196-e503-471b-a84e-ca4401033062" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24550:1" rel="noopener">Itau Unibanco Holding Sa (ITUB4 BZ)</a> is to restructure most of its holding in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xp-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28619:1" rel="noopener">XP Inc (XP US)</a>, NASDAQ listed fintech, via spin-off</li>
<li>Itaú registered positive 3Q20 results; Itaú also plans to dispose of a 5% stake in XP, which should bolster core capital ratios</li>
<li>We had been cautious on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itausa-investimentos-itau-pr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24513:1" rel="noopener">Itausa-Investimentos Itau-Pr (ITSA4 BZ)</a>, but we now identify it as an attractive vehicle through which to play its main holding in Itaú Unibanco and the XP spin-off</li>
<li>The XP spin-off – NewCo – which is expected to take place in 1Q21, will be listed on Bovespa, giving NewCo shareholders market liquidity</li>
<li>We estimate that Itausa’s NAV discount has widened to 24%, which is attractive versus its NAV discount history</li>
<li>We also believe the NAV discount should narrow structurally, as the listed NewCo will provide Itausa with (potentially discounted) exposure to a listed FinTech vehicle, along with the scope for dividend recovery at Itaú Unibanco</li>
<li>In essence, we expect shareholder value creation from the XP stake spin-off for both Itaú Unibanco but also for the discounted holding Itausa</li>
<li>Risks include delays and in the extreme the suspension of the XP NewCo spin-off, and the potential for worse than expected fundamental performance at Itausa’s core holding, Itaú Unibanco</li>
</ul>



Itau Unibanco Holding Sa (ITUB4 BZ) is to restructure most of its holding in XP Inc (XP US), NASDAQ listed fintech, via spin-off
Itaú registered positive 3Q20 results; Itaú also plans to dispose of a 5% stake in XP, which should bolster core capital ratios
We had been cautious on Itausa-Investimentos Itau-Pr (ITSA4 BZ), but we now identify it as an attractive vehicle through which to play its main holding in Itaú Unibanco and the XP spin-off
The XP spin-off – NewCo – which is expected to take place in 1Q21, will be listed on Bovespa, giving NewCo shareholders market liquidity
We estimate that Itausa’s NAV discount has widened to 24%, which is attractive versus its NAV discount history
We also believe the NAV discount should narrow structurally, as the listed NewCo will provide Itausa with (potentially discounted) exposure to a listed FinTech vehicle, along with the scope for dividend recovery at Itaú Unibanco
In essence, we expect shareholder value creation from the XP stake spin-off for both Itaú Unibanco but also for the discounted holding Itausa
Risks include delays and in the extreme the suspension of the XP NewCo spin-off, and the potential for worse than expected fundamental performance at Itausa’s core holding, Itaú Unibanco


Itausa (ITSA4 BZ): Discounted Access to Itaú Unibanco, and Potentially to the XP Holding Spin-Off

Brazil

Itausa SA operates as a investment holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, invests in companies in such areas as the financial, as well as the wood paneling, ceramic and metal sanitary, ceramic coatings, clothing, footwear, and gaspipelines. Itausa serves clients worldwide.

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Itausa (ITSA4 BZ)

XP (XP US) – Less Demanding Valuations, but the Overhang Still Weighs

XP's less demanding valuation is not enough, in our view, to offset the big share overhang, and competition in Brazil wealth management is...

Victor Galliano

Itausa (ITSA4 BZ) – Too Narrow a NAV Discount, and the Dividend Yield Is No Longer Compelling

Itausa's NAV discount has narrowed sharply, it has little scope of dividend growth, and is selling down its XP stake at a tricky moment; we prefer...

Victor Galliano

A Tale of Two Brazilian HoldCos; We Prefer Bradespar (BRAP4 BZ) Over Itausa (ITSA4 BZ)

Bradespar holdco is a vehicle that provides discounted exposure to iron ore miner Vale; we see the current 25% discount to the Bradespar NAV as...

Victor Galliano

Itausa (ITSA4 BZ): Discounted Access to Itaú Unibanco, and Potentially to the XP Holding Spin-Off

Our prior caution on Itausa has turned to enthusiasm; Itausa gives investors discounted access, at a 24% discount to the NAV, to Itau Unibanco and...

Victor Galliano

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52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

XP (XP US) – Less Demanding Valuations, but the Overhang Still Weighs

XP's less demanding valuation is not enough, in our view, to offset the big share overhang, and competition in Brazil wealth management is...

Victor Galliano

Itausa (ITSA4 BZ) – Too Narrow a NAV Discount, and the Dividend Yield Is No Longer Compelling

Itausa's NAV discount has narrowed sharply, it has little scope of dividend growth, and is selling down its XP stake at a tricky moment; we prefer...

Victor Galliano

A Tale of Two Brazilian HoldCos; We Prefer Bradespar (BRAP4 BZ) Over Itausa (ITSA4 BZ)

Bradespar holdco is a vehicle that provides discounted exposure to iron ore miner Vale; we see the current 25% discount to the Bradespar NAV as...

Victor Galliano

XP (XP US) Follow-On Issue Highlights Over-Hang, Potential for More Share Sales Post Itaú Spin-Off

Post XP's follow-on, we see the spin-off, lack of lock-up for spun-off shares and Itausa’s non-strategic view of its XP shares adding to risk of...

Victor Galliano

Itausa (ITSA4 BZ): Discounted Access to Itaú Unibanco, and Potentially to the XP Holding Spin-Off

Our prior caution on Itausa has turned to enthusiasm; Itausa gives investors discounted access, at a 24% discount to the NAV, to Itau Unibanco and...

Victor Galliano