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

*Solid Quarter: IndiaBulls Housing Finance (IHFL.IN) [IndiaBulls] reported FY 2Q21 results of INR 7.1 bn, increasing INR 4.4 bn (160.0%) linked quarter. Much of the linked quarter improvement can be attributed to net interest income growth of INR 4.7 bn (64.8%) resultant of INR 135.0 bn (14.5%) loan growth, NIM improvement of 137 bp (by our calculation) of 137 bp to 4.49%, and a buyback of bonds reducing debt by 9%; and*Credit Improving:During FY 2Q21, stated Stage 3 NPLs improved INR 4.3 bn (21.1%), declining 68 bp over the period to 1.52%.  Reinforcing this improvement, we find that net new NPLs were negative by a whopping INR 13.0 bn or over 100% on an annualized basis.

*Solid Quarter: IndiaBulls Housing Finance (IHFL.IN) [IndiaBulls] reported FY 2Q21 results of INR 7.1 bn, increasing INR 4.4 bn (160.0%) linked quarter. Much of the linked quarter improvement can be attributed to net interest income growth of INR 4.7 bn (64.8%) resultant of INR 135.0 bn (14.5%) loan growth, NIM improvement of 137 bp (by our calculation) of 137 bp to 4.49%, and a buyback of bonds reducing debt by 9%; and*Credit Improving:During FY 2Q21, stated Stage 3 NPLs improved INR 4.3 bn (21.1%), declining 68 bp over the period to 1.52%.  Reinforcing this improvement, we find that net new NPLs were negative by a whopping INR 13.0 bn or over 100% on an annualized basis. 

IndiaBulls Housing Finance – Rocking and Rolling

Specialist in Indian Banking and Economic Research

Hemindra Hazari

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

A newly-appointed (on October 9, 2020) deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has <a href="https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_SpeechesView.aspx?Id=1101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed</a>, for discussion, that large systemically-important non-bank finance companies (NBFCs) either convert themselves into banks, or that they contract assets, in order to protect financial stability. This proposal not only has major implications for prominent NBFCs some belonging to industrial houses, but also highlights the regulator’s present lack of capability to regulate such companies. Instead of arguing for the large NBFCs to either become banks or face an eventual demise by setting on a path to shrinking their size, the regulator should be examining how to improve its own regulation and supervision of large NBFCs. The collapses of IL&amp;FS (<a href="https://hemindrahazari.com/2019/01/31/ilfs-collapse-what-happens-when-infrastructure-development-is-privatised-hemindra-hazari/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>) and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dewan-housing-finance-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8142:1" rel="noopener">Dewan Housing Finance (DEWH IN)</a> (<a href="https://hemindrahazari.com/2019/01/29/panel-discussion-on-cobrapost-expose-of-dhfl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>) were not only a failure of corporate governance and the economic slowdown, but also the consequence of a severe shortfall in regulatory supervision.Financial deregulation and the entry of more players in the strategic financial sector require a more vigilant, intrusive regulator armed with the necessary systems, processes and human resource talent to effectively regulate and supervise the sector. Sadly, the total officer strength of the RBI is currently below the levels of 2015, and it needs to invest in more resources for regulating the NBFC sector instead of proposing to compel large NBFCs to become banks. NBFCs cater to specific needs of the economy which the banks, for whatever reasons, have been unable to address, and while some NBFCs may want to become banks, others owned by industrial houses may not even be permitted to get bank licenses, and some may not even want to become banks. In such a scenario it is imperative for the regulator to implement systems and processes to regulate large NBFCs instead of floating such proposals in the public domain.

A newly-appointed (on October 9, 2020) deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed, for discussion, that large systemically-important non-bank finance companies (NBFCs) either convert themselves into banks, or that they contract assets, in order to protect financial stability. This proposal not only has major implications for prominent NBFCs some belonging to industrial houses, but also highlights the regulator’s present lack of capability to regulate such companies. Instead of arguing for the large NBFCs to either become banks or face an eventual demise by setting on a path to shrinking their size, the regulator should be examining how to improve its own regulation and supervision of large NBFCs. The collapses of IL&amp;FS (here) and Dewan Housing Finance (DEWH IN) (here) were not only a failure of corporate governance and the economic slowdown, but also the consequence of a severe shortfall in regulatory supervision.Financial deregulation and the entry of more players in the strategic financial sector require a more vigilant, intrusive regulator armed with the necessary systems, processes and human resource talent to effectively regulate and supervise the sector. Sadly, the total officer strength of the RBI is currently below the levels of 2015, and it needs to invest in more resources for regulating the NBFC sector instead of proposing to compel large NBFCs to become banks. NBFCs cater to specific needs of the economy which the banks, for whatever reasons, have been unable to address, and while some NBFCs may want to become banks, others owned by industrial houses may not even be permitted to get bank licenses, and some may not even want to become banks. In such a scenario it is imperative for the regulator to implement systems and processes to regulate large NBFCs instead of floating such proposals in the public domain.

RBI Proposal to Convert Large NBFCs into Banks: No Solution to the Problem of Regulatory Failures

Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

Executive Summary: We noted last weekend that Treasury yields could gap down as True-Blue election sweep expectations declined and that bank valuations would follow. Both outcomes took place during the first part of the week. President Trump has gained enough in polls for traders with bearish positions in long-dated Treasuries to start unwinding them.  If Republicans’ retain the Senate, then fiscal stimulus may be lower than currently expected.  The December VIX future may also underprice the risk of a contested election result while thin markets keep volatility elevated.On Wednesday, most US stock indices posted their biggest single-day drop since June while European shares met five-month lows. As such, implied equity volatility jumped to its highest readings in 6 weeks. The US dollar and commodities also exhibited risk-off behaviour. Soaring Coronavirus cases in the US and Europe added to market jitters on the eventual time to a US federal stimulus package. The lack of a strong bullish reaction in Treasuries while equities sold-off reinforced concerns that low yields significantly reduce hedging protection. Within this background, Asia’s Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds underperformed Tier 2 and Senior Unsecured securities, in concert with developed market risk-off sentiment. The top performing bonds were overwhelmingly short maturity Senior Unsecured in nature. Asia’s HY markets slightly outperformed the US’ as both indexes widened during the week. The relative outperformance of Asia versus the US resulted in slight spread compression between the two indexes, although the remain wide of last year’s average and this years’ tights.Financial institutions only issued US$4.5 billion in USD and Euros. Amongst Asia-headquartered banks, the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/industrial-bank-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19515:1" rel="noopener">Industrial Bank Co Ltd A (601166 CH)</a> and Kookmin Bank (<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kb-financial-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:718:1" rel="noopener">KB Financial Group (105560 KS))</a> were the only financial institutions to access global capital market during the week. The primary market issuance window may be closing very early this year.In terms of potential mergers and acquisitions, Bloomberg reported that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kotak-mahindra-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:126:1" rel="noopener">Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB IN)</a> is considering an offer for IndusInd Bank, which IndusInd subsequently denied. Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kotak-indusind-happy-indusind-bondholders-move-to-overweight" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44542" rel="noopener">Kotak + IndusInd = Happy IndusInd Bondholders; Move to Overweight</a> for more details. On Friday, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/indusind-bank-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1558:1" rel="noopener">Indusind Bank (IIB IN)</a> reported a 53% year-on-year decline in second quarter net profit that missed average analyst estimates. Despite the earnings miss and acquisition dismissal, IndusInd’s 3 7/8% coupon bond rose in price during the week.Market Outlook: Market reactions to soaring Coronavirus contagion, underpriced election outcome risks and sidelined treasury investors may augment market illiquidity and impact bank valuation over the near term.

Executive Summary: We noted last weekend that Treasury yields could gap down as True-Blue election sweep expectations declined and that bank valuations would follow. Both outcomes took place during the first part of the week. President Trump has gained enough in polls for traders with bearish positions in long-dated Treasuries to start unwinding them.  If Republicans’ retain the Senate, then fiscal stimulus may be lower than currently expected.  The December VIX future may also underprice the risk of a contested election result while thin markets keep volatility elevated.On Wednesday, most US stock indices posted their biggest single-day drop since June while European shares met five-month lows. As such, implied equity volatility jumped to its highest readings in 6 weeks. The US dollar and commodities also exhibited risk-off behaviour. Soaring Coronavirus cases in the US and Europe added to market jitters on the eventual time to a US federal stimulus package. The lack of a strong bullish reaction in Treasuries while equities sold-off reinforced concerns that low yields significantly reduce hedging protection. Within this background, Asia’s Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds underperformed Tier 2 and Senior Unsecured securities, in concert with developed market risk-off sentiment. The top performing bonds were overwhelmingly short maturity Senior Unsecured in nature. Asia’s HY markets slightly outperformed the US’ as both indexes widened during the week. The relative outperformance of Asia versus the US resulted in slight spread compression between the two indexes, although the remain wide of last year’s average and this years’ tights.Financial institutions only issued US$4.5 billion in USD and Euros. Amongst Asia-headquartered banks, the Industrial Bank Co Ltd A (601166 CH) and Kookmin Bank (KB Financial Group (105560 KS)) were the only financial institutions to access global capital market during the week. The primary market issuance window may be closing very early this year.In terms of potential mergers and acquisitions, Bloomberg reported that Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB IN) is considering an offer for IndusInd Bank, which IndusInd subsequently denied. Please see Kotak + IndusInd = Happy IndusInd Bondholders; Move to Overweight for more details. On Friday, Indusind Bank (IIB IN) reported a 53% year-on-year decline in second quarter net profit that missed average analyst estimates. Despite the earnings miss and acquisition dismissal, IndusInd’s 3 7/8% coupon bond rose in price during the week.Market Outlook: Market reactions to soaring Coronavirus contagion, underpriced election outcome risks and sidelined treasury investors may augment market illiquidity and impact bank valuation over the near term.

Bank Credit Weekly: Risk Reduction on Election and Virus Uncertainty

*In-Line Results: Bajaj Finance (BAF.IN) [Bajaj] reported FY 2Q21 results of INR 9.6 bn - essentially in-line with FY 1Q21 results. While in line on a linked quarter basis, we do note improvement in the NIM by 70 bp to 9.9% which drove the INR 1.1 bn (3.3%) increase in net interest income;*Credit Risk Increasing: On a linked quarter basis, we found that gross NPAs actually declined INR 5.2 bn (26.9%)  - primarily on account of FY 2Q21 NCOs of INR 20.5 bn which appear to have accelerated again. Credit remains weak with net new NPAs of INR 15.3 or an alarming 434.1% annualized increase. Loss reserves also remain light in the neighbourhood of INR 66.4 bn by our calculation or over five quarter of pre-tax results; and*Lowered Guidance: For AUM, Bajaj expects AUM growth during FY 2021 of just between 6%-7% - well below previous guidance of 10-12%. Several other headwinds over the near-term are also worrisome, including: 1) the elevated payment-bounce rate; and 2) the lack of clarity surrounding the flexi loan book.

*In-Line Results: Bajaj Finance (BAF.IN) [Bajaj] reported FY 2Q21 results of INR 9.6 bn - essentially in-line with FY 1Q21 results. While in line on a linked quarter basis, we do note improvement in the NIM by 70 bp to 9.9% which drove the INR 1.1 bn (3.3%) increase in net interest income;*Credit Risk Increasing: On a linked quarter basis, we found that gross NPAs actually declined INR 5.2 bn (26.9%)  - primarily on account of FY 2Q21 NCOs of INR 20.5 bn which appear to have accelerated again. Credit remains weak with net new NPAs of INR 15.3 or an alarming 434.1% annualized increase. Loss reserves also remain light in the neighbourhood of INR 66.4 bn by our calculation or over five quarter of pre-tax results; and*Lowered Guidance: For AUM, Bajaj expects AUM growth during FY 2021 of just between 6%-7% - well below previous guidance of 10-12%. Several other headwinds over the near-term are also worrisome, including: 1) the elevated payment-bounce rate; and 2) the lack of clarity surrounding the flexi loan book.

US high yield markets outperformed Asia’s as expectations of an eventual US stimulus package met hopes for a less contentious US election result as Joe Biden’s polling lead grew. The relative outperformance of the US versus Asia resulted in continued high yield index spread decompression. We expect this decompression to end on a buy the rumour, sell the news, trade on prospects for a Democratic Party election sweep over the next few weeks.In rate markets, US Treasury curve steepening accelerated on continued improved risk sentiment and reflation expectations. Concurrently, President Trump’s vacillation between off, then on, economic stimulus talks were met with bewilderment, if not outright health concerns.  Short-term interest rate futures spiked upwards as the news of President Trumps COVID-19 diagnosis changed election outcome projections and prospects of eventual federal stimulus pushed rate expectations even higher. In US equity markets, futures on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) and spot VIX Index levels fell on lower perceived downside risks and higher expectations of a less contentious election result.Emerging market capital inflows rebounded strongly during the week as US dollar weakness returned. Over the near term, the more certain the market is of an uncontested election outcome, the greater the potential for US dollar weakness on concerns that more fiscal spending will widen U.S. trade and budget deficits.Meanwhile, Asia bank credit investors favoured a mix of high quality and higher yield Additional Tier 1 (AT1) and subordinated debt, in-line with the tepid increase in Asia’s risk sentiment. As the week closed, the Reserve Bank of India announced additional unconventional monetary policy stimulus measures aimed at improving credit transmission via the local bond market. This should benefit the more active debt capital market participants.Concurrently, only US$5.6 billion was raised by financial institutions in USD and Euros in the form of Senior HoldCo, Senior Non-preferred and AT1 bonds. Amongst Asia-headquartered banks, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank (KBANK TB)</a> issued an AT1 bond, following the successful placement two weeks ago by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-bank-public-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:213:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Bank (BBL TB)</a>. We anticipate additional AT1 issuance by Thai-headquartered banks due to their capital stack needs. For more on this and the unique challenges of these banks, please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-constraints-debt-capital-issuance-needs-and-potential-impacts" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43884" rel="noopener">Thai Bank Capital Constraints and Debt Issuance Needs</a> as well as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-bank-capital-and-chronic-covid-19-sensitivity" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44011" rel="noopener">Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity</a>.  Looking forward, China is reported to be considering the issuance of an offshore US$-bond for the fourth straight year. The transaction could occur in the next week. Market Outlook A sweep of the Senate, House and Presidency by the Democratic Party may be met with higher long-term interest rates on spending concerns. Although stimulus may be positive for US risk assets, higher long-term rates may not be emerging market friendly. However, a rise in long-term rates may be tempered by the return of US Treasuries as a favored carry-trade option and by more targeted Federal Reserve asset purchase program operations.Inside: In this weekly, we elaborate on these themes as we review global credit index levels, equity volatility,  interest rates, Eurodollar futures and fund flows as well as bank bond spread moves and recent debt issuance to identify possible investment opportunities and potential pitfalls in Asia-headquartered bank bonds.

US high yield markets outperformed Asia’s as expectations of an eventual US stimulus package met hopes for a less contentious US election result as Joe Biden’s polling lead grew. The relative outperformance of the US versus Asia resulted in continued high yield index spread decompression. We expect this decompression to end on a buy the rumour, sell the news, trade on prospects for a Democratic Party election sweep over the next few weeks.In rate markets, US Treasury curve steepening accelerated on continued improved risk sentiment and reflation expectations. Concurrently, President Trump’s vacillation between off, then on, economic stimulus talks were met with bewilderment, if not outright health concerns.  Short-term interest rate futures spiked upwards as the news of President Trumps COVID-19 diagnosis changed election outcome projections and prospects of eventual federal stimulus pushed rate expectations even higher. In US equity markets, futures on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) and spot VIX Index levels fell on lower perceived downside risks and higher expectations of a less contentious election result.Emerging market capital inflows rebounded strongly during the week as US dollar weakness returned. Over the near term, the more certain the market is of an uncontested election outcome, the greater the potential for US dollar weakness on concerns that more fiscal spending will widen U.S. trade and budget deficits.Meanwhile, Asia bank credit investors favoured a mix of high quality and higher yield Additional Tier 1 (AT1) and subordinated debt, in-line with the tepid increase in Asia’s risk sentiment. As the week closed, the Reserve Bank of India announced additional unconventional monetary policy stimulus measures aimed at improving credit transmission via the local bond market. This should benefit the more active debt capital market participants.Concurrently, only US$5.6 billion was raised by financial institutions in USD and Euros in the form of Senior HoldCo, Senior Non-preferred and AT1 bonds. Amongst Asia-headquartered banks, Kasikornbank (KBANK TB) issued an AT1 bond, following the successful placement two weeks ago by Bangkok Bank (BBL TB). We anticipate additional AT1 issuance by Thai-headquartered banks due to their capital stack needs. For more on this and the unique challenges of these banks, please see Thai Bank Capital Constraints and Debt Issuance Needs as well as Thai Bank Capital and Chronic COVID-19 Sensitivity.  Looking forward, China is reported to be considering the issuance of an offshore US$-bond for the fourth straight year. The transaction could occur in the next week. Market Outlook A sweep of the Senate, House and Presidency by the Democratic Party may be met with higher long-term interest rates on spending concerns. Although stimulus may be positive for US risk assets, higher long-term rates may not be emerging market friendly. However, a rise in long-term rates may be tempered by the return of US Treasuries as a favored carry-trade option and by more targeted Federal Reserve asset purchase program operations.Inside: In this weekly, we elaborate on these themes as we review global credit index levels, equity volatility,  interest rates, Eurodollar futures and fund flows as well as bank bond spread moves and recent debt issuance to identify possible investment opportunities and potential pitfalls in Asia-headquartered bank bonds.

Bank Credit Weekly: Risk-On as US Election and Stimulus Outlooks Sharpen

India

Sammaan Capital Limited is a mortgage-focused non-banking financial company. The Company offers housing loans to salaried and self-employed individuals for construction, purchase, renovation, and reconstruction of houses, as well as business loans to MSMEs, self-employed individuals, and proprietorships for working capital or business expansion. Sammaan Capital operates in India.

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Sammaan Capital (SAMMAANC IN)

IndiaBulls Housing Finance – Rocking and Rolling

INDIABULLS HOUSING FINANCE: IndiaBulls posted a solid set of results for FY 2Q21, as net interest income took off on the back of NIM improvement...

Thomas J. Monaco

RBI Proposal to Convert Large NBFCs into Banks: No Solution to the Problem of Regulatory Failures

Instead of forcible conversion to banks the RBI should ensure that it improves the regulation of important NBFCs so as to ensure that these...

Hemindra Hazari

Bank Credit Weekly: Risk Reduction on Election and Virus Uncertainty

Market reactions to soaring Coronavirus contagion, underpriced election outcome risks and sidelined treasury investors may augment market...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Bajaj Finance – Removing The Lipstick

BAJAJ FINANCE: Results Would Suggest That Credit Portfolio Risk Has Significantly Deteriorated, and That Reserves Need Buttressing By Over Five...

Thomas J. Monaco

Bank Credit Weekly: Risk-On as US Election and Stimulus Outlooks Sharpen

A concise must-read on US$-risk sentiment derived from equity markets, rates, issuance, dollar levels and capital flows to frame near term Asia...

Hank Calenti, CFA

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