Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

Executive Summary:  We recommend that investors Overweight <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/krung-thai-bank-pub-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:298:1" rel="noopener">Krung Thai Bank's (KTBTB)</a> recently issued Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond. Krung Thai’s published credit metrics are on-par with, if not superior to, its Thailand-based peers as well as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/standard-chartered-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:193:1" rel="noopener">Standard Chartered (STAN LN)</a>. Furthermore, after adjusting for Covid-19 relief exposure, KTBTB has a higher capital buffer and a superior pre-provision earnings ability relative to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kasikornbank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:293:1" rel="noopener">Kasikornbank (KBank)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tmb-bank-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8090:1" rel="noopener">TMB Bank (TMB TB)</a>. As such, we believe that Krung Thai’s recently issued AT1 note should compress to, if not through, KBank’s bond.Thailand-headquartered banks face both a net profit and a capital buffer test towards determining their ability to make optional distributions, such as dividends, bonuses, and Additional Tier 1 coupons. Unfortunately, Thai-bank AT1 spreads bear no relationship relative to their respective capital buffers. This suggests that other concerns may be driving their respective valuations.We note that loans under COVID-19 relief measures remain subject to an IFRS9 staging standstill under Bank of Thailand regulations until the end of 2021, according to Krung Thai Bank. Given the large amount of relief provided by Thai banks over the last year, and more that may develop in the future, current earnings power and capital buffers may overstate each banks’ ability to make optional distribution payments over time.Therefore, a complete analysis on the fair value of a Thai-bank security should incorporate the capital buffer and pre-provision earnings that may be at risk from Covid-19 relief loans that could go sour.  We undertake this analysis within.Taken together, we conclude that after adjusting for Covid-19 relief exposure, KTBTB has a higher capital buffer and a superior pre-provision earnings ability relative to Kasikornbank and TMB Bank. As such, we believe that Krung Thai’s recently issued AT1 note should compress to, if not through, KBank’s, bond. Issued last week at a spread of T+353, and currently trading at T+ 330, we see at least 30bps of upside remaining for investors in KTBTB’s bond. As such, we recommend that investors Overweight Krung Thai Bank’s 4.4% coupon 2026 callable AT1 note.

Executive Summary:  We recommend that investors Overweight Krung Thai Bank's (KTBTB) recently issued Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bond. Krung Thai’s published credit metrics are on-par with, if not superior to, its Thailand-based peers as well as Standard Chartered (STAN LN). Furthermore, after adjusting for Covid-19 relief exposure, KTBTB has a higher capital buffer and a superior pre-provision earnings ability relative to Kasikornbank (KBank) and TMB Bank (TMB TB). As such, we believe that Krung Thai’s recently issued AT1 note should compress to, if not through, KBank’s bond.Thailand-headquartered banks face both a net profit and a capital buffer test towards determining their ability to make optional distributions, such as dividends, bonuses, and Additional Tier 1 coupons. Unfortunately, Thai-bank AT1 spreads bear no relationship relative to their respective capital buffers. This suggests that other concerns may be driving their respective valuations.We note that loans under COVID-19 relief measures remain subject to an IFRS9 staging standstill under Bank of Thailand regulations until the end of 2021, according to Krung Thai Bank. Given the large amount of relief provided by Thai banks over the last year, and more that may develop in the future, current earnings power and capital buffers may overstate each banks’ ability to make optional distribution payments over time.Therefore, a complete analysis on the fair value of a Thai-bank security should incorporate the capital buffer and pre-provision earnings that may be at risk from Covid-19 relief loans that could go sour.  We undertake this analysis within.Taken together, we conclude that after adjusting for Covid-19 relief exposure, KTBTB has a higher capital buffer and a superior pre-provision earnings ability relative to Kasikornbank and TMB Bank. As such, we believe that Krung Thai’s recently issued AT1 note should compress to, if not through, KBank’s, bond. Issued last week at a spread of T+353, and currently trading at T+ 330, we see at least 30bps of upside remaining for investors in KTBTB’s bond. As such, we recommend that investors Overweight Krung Thai Bank’s 4.4% coupon 2026 callable AT1 note.   

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Quantitative Analysis

<div>In this Insight, we look at Asian financial pairs that normally trade in a tight band versus each other and are now trading at levels that are close to an extreme, making it likely that there could be a short term reversal. We also recap our earlier ideas and recommend exiting a few positions, especially where there are gains and the price ratios are at turning points.</div><div>
These are all large cap financials that trade in excess of US$20m a day, so implementing the strategy should be possible using stock borrow or single stock futures.
These ideas are based purely off the stock price history and we recommend investors use a fundamental overlay to determine if the price action is reflective of changes in the sector that benefit one company at the expense of the other, or benefit one company more than the other.
</div>

In this Insight, we look at Asian financial pairs that normally trade in a tight band versus each other and are now trading at levels that are close to an extreme, making it likely that there could be a short term reversal. We also recap our earlier ideas and recommend exiting a few positions, especially where there are gains and the price ratios are at turning points.
These are all large cap financials that trade in excess of US$20m a day, so implementing the strategy should be possible using stock borrow or single stock futures.
These ideas are based purely off the stock price history and we recommend investors use a fundamental overlay to determine if the price action is reflective of changes in the sector that benefit one company at the expense of the other, or benefit one company more than the other.


Event-Driven

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has commenced a market consultation on changing the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/stock-exchange-of-thailand-set-50-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31493:1" rel="noopener">Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX)</a>, SET100 and SETHD indices to free float market cap weighted indices from the upcoming rebalance in June.The market consultation document is short on detail, but the main points are the change in index calculation from full market cap weighted to free float market cap weighted, implementation of the changes in two tranches at the June and December reviews, and implementation of quarterly changes in free float for moves of +/-5%.The biggest uncertainty for us is whether the selection of the stocks for inclusion/exclusion will use the full market cap or the free float market cap.Using the full market cap for stock selection could see 3 changes at the upcoming June review, while using free float market cap for stock selection could result in up to 6 changes at the review. The two step implementation of the free float changes will dampen the index turnover but it will still be relatively high, ranging from a one-way turnover of 7.8% for changes in free float only to 9.52% if the stock selection methodology uses free float market cap.In this Insight, we look at the proposed changes and enumerate three scenarios, the changes they will entail, the impact on the stocks and the turnover for each scenario.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has commenced a market consultation on changing the Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX), SET100 and SETHD indices to free float market cap weighted indices from the upcoming rebalance in June.The market consultation document is short on detail, but the main points are the change in index calculation from full market cap weighted to free float market cap weighted, implementation of the changes in two tranches at the June and December reviews, and implementation of quarterly changes in free float for moves of +/-5%.The biggest uncertainty for us is whether the selection of the stocks for inclusion/exclusion will use the full market cap or the free float market cap.Using the full market cap for stock selection could see 3 changes at the upcoming June review, while using free float market cap for stock selection could result in up to 6 changes at the review. The two step implementation of the free float changes will dampen the index turnover but it will still be relatively high, ranging from a one-way turnover of 7.8% for changes in free float only to 9.52% if the stock selection methodology uses free float market cap.In this Insight, we look at the proposed changes and enumerate three scenarios, the changes they will entail, the impact on the stocks and the turnover for each scenario.

SET50 Index - Proposed Methodology Changes: Scenarios, Names Affected & Impact

Real credit fundamentals have yet to catch-up with spreads in bonds which continue to outperform. True fundamentals have a considerable gap to close relative to spread compression. Global monetary accommodation is in large part responsible for recent outperformance. However, credit tourists may have booked too early.Deeply subordinated Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds led in terms of spread tightening during January in Asia. Increased risk tolerance and a reach for yield, possibly by credit tourists, drove results as global vaccination efforts raised economic growth expectations. As such, Hong Kong and Thai- based bank securities outperformed, albeit for differing reasons.As Asia-headquartered banks report earnings, the quality of disclosure varies considerably from bank-to-bank. Even where disclosure is adequate, asset quality indicators may greatly underestimate the level of troubled debt due to continued forbearance, restructuring efforts and early-stage aging. This is driving provisioning costs lower than would be expected in a more normal operating environment. The value of these reports is significantly diminished for credit investors. Financial repression creates a market, which in its nature, is always a one-sided bet with the Fed / ECB/ BOJ.  There is limited price discovery. As such, credit value should remain driven by larger market forces.In terms of economic growth, the IMF projects 11.5% and 8.1% GDP growth this year for India and China, respectively. The near-term future is South Asian, but this may not apply to all. Most India-headquartered banks already price-in considerable recovery prospects. However, significant bank recapitalized in needed for the economic forecasts to materialize and for these banks spreads to be maintained.Eventually, it will be time to deliver real fundamental performance. In the meantime, monetary accommodation should remain the main driver of credit spreads while economic growth plays catch-up. Credit tourists are fickle and may vacate if either are delayed.

Real credit fundamentals have yet to catch-up with spreads in bonds which continue to outperform. True fundamentals have a considerable gap to close relative to spread compression. Global monetary accommodation is in large part responsible for recent outperformance. However, credit tourists may have booked too early.Deeply subordinated Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds led in terms of spread tightening during January in Asia. Increased risk tolerance and a reach for yield, possibly by credit tourists, drove results as global vaccination efforts raised economic growth expectations. As such, Hong Kong and Thai- based bank securities outperformed, albeit for differing reasons.As Asia-headquartered banks report earnings, the quality of disclosure varies considerably from bank-to-bank. Even where disclosure is adequate, asset quality indicators may greatly underestimate the level of troubled debt due to continued forbearance, restructuring efforts and early-stage aging. This is driving provisioning costs lower than would be expected in a more normal operating environment. The value of these reports is significantly diminished for credit investors. Financial repression creates a market, which in its nature, is always a one-sided bet with the Fed / ECB/ BOJ.  There is limited price discovery. As such, credit value should remain driven by larger market forces.In terms of economic growth, the IMF projects 11.5% and 8.1% GDP growth this year for India and China, respectively. The near-term future is South Asian, but this may not apply to all. Most India-headquartered banks already price-in considerable recovery prospects. However, significant bank recapitalized in needed for the economic forecasts to materialize and for these banks spreads to be maintained.Eventually, it will be time to deliver real fundamental performance. In the meantime, monetary accommodation should remain the main driver of credit spreads while economic growth plays catch-up. Credit tourists are fickle and may vacate if either are delayed.

Bank Credit Compass: Credit Tourist May Vacate if Real Fundamentals Do Not Catch-Up

Ironically, a distracted and internally divided US Congress combined with an accommodative Fed could be bullish for risk assets and simultaneously reduce bearish fixed income pressures. For bond investors, it could be reassuring that the Goldilocks election outcome remains as political balances keep the US government from undertaking an even larger, more sustained, reflationary fiscal push. This could benefit Asia-headquartered risk assets.Some observers worry, rightly so, that the trial of former President Trump threatens to elongate the political divide in the U.S. This could make it more difficult for President Biden to effectively deliver on his fiscal spending plans in a timely manner while economic activity indicators soften. In addition, expectations that President Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan may be materially watered-down, by almost one-half, raised expectations that Fed accommodation would be extended longer than anticipated when the stimulus plan was first announced. As such, the current distraction may be credit positive. Meanwhile, U.S. CCC-rated indexes compressed into uncharted territory as CCC-index yields hit all-time lows. Asia risk asset followed, although the credit spread relationship between these two geographies remains far from the norm.  We note that credits only have limited upside in the reflation scenario.  Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-credit-weekly-moving-the-goal-posts" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:46889" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Weekly: Moving the Goal Posts</a> for more on this. A delay in the reflation scenario could also benefit Asia-headquartered risk assets.In addition, just as the US-dollar media narrative began to change from one of universal weakening to strengthening, US-dollar strengthening stopped. Declining odds on a large federal stimulus package likely arrested dollar strength. We present our US-dollar views inside and why it may be short-term Asia credit positive.Meanwhile, Fed officials are not reading from the same song sheet. Admonishing others to avoid asset purchase tapering discussions at the Fed is tantamount to a Say no Evil, Hear no Evil strategy. This is misguided as an open discussion could limit volatility once tapering begins. Please see last week’s <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bank-credit-weekly-distractions-may-drive-markets-near-term" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:47117" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Weekly: Distractions May Drive Markets Near Term</a> for more on this. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will discuss the FOMC’s decisions on Wednesday, 27 January.Against this backdrop, almost all of Asia’s bank debt tightened during the week. Improved risk sentiment, the arrest of a stronger US-dollar, EM inflows and country specific announcements drove these results. In particular, the Reserve Bank of India’s proposal to revise the regulatory framework for India’s non-bank finance companies likely had a positive impact on the US-dollar bonds of these institutions.Several Asia-headquartered banks reported earnings as the week ended and into the weekend. Asia bank earnings season is upon us. However, we note that asset quality indicators at many banks greatly underestimate the level of troubled debt within the institution as forbearance measures remain in place in several operating environments. This is driving provisioning costs lower than would be expected in a more normal operating environment. The value of these earnings reports is significantly diminished for credit investors. As such, credit value should remain driven by larger market forces.Market Outlook: The distraction of another set of impeachment proceedings could turn out to be market friendly if it results in more targeted stimulus. Outside of the Washington beltway, the real issue of how much is too much stimulus as the vaccine is rolled-out will lead to concerns on when the Fed begins to taper its asset purchases. Credit has limited upside in a fast reflation scenario. A slower, more contained, reflation environment could be Emerging Market credit supportive.

Ironically, a distracted and internally divided US Congress combined with an accommodative Fed could be bullish for risk assets and simultaneously reduce bearish fixed income pressures. For bond investors, it could be reassuring that the Goldilocks election outcome remains as political balances keep the US government from undertaking an even larger, more sustained, reflationary fiscal push. This could benefit Asia-headquartered risk assets.Some observers worry, rightly so, that the trial of former President Trump threatens to elongate the political divide in the U.S. This could make it more difficult for President Biden to effectively deliver on his fiscal spending plans in a timely manner while economic activity indicators soften. In addition, expectations that President Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan may be materially watered-down, by almost one-half, raised expectations that Fed accommodation would be extended longer than anticipated when the stimulus plan was first announced. As such, the current distraction may be credit positive. Meanwhile, U.S. CCC-rated indexes compressed into uncharted territory as CCC-index yields hit all-time lows. Asia risk asset followed, although the credit spread relationship between these two geographies remains far from the norm.  We note that credits only have limited upside in the reflation scenario.  Please see Bank Credit Weekly: Moving the Goal Posts for more on this. A delay in the reflation scenario could also benefit Asia-headquartered risk assets.In addition, just as the US-dollar media narrative began to change from one of universal weakening to strengthening, US-dollar strengthening stopped. Declining odds on a large federal stimulus package likely arrested dollar strength. We present our US-dollar views inside and why it may be short-term Asia credit positive.Meanwhile, Fed officials are not reading from the same song sheet. Admonishing others to avoid asset purchase tapering discussions at the Fed is tantamount to a Say no Evil, Hear no Evil strategy. This is misguided as an open discussion could limit volatility once tapering begins. Please see last week’s Bank Credit Weekly: Distractions May Drive Markets Near Term for more on this. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will discuss the FOMC’s decisions on Wednesday, 27 January.Against this backdrop, almost all of Asia’s bank debt tightened during the week. Improved risk sentiment, the arrest of a stronger US-dollar, EM inflows and country specific announcements drove these results. In particular, the Reserve Bank of India’s proposal to revise the regulatory framework for India’s non-bank finance companies likely had a positive impact on the US-dollar bonds of these institutions.Several Asia-headquartered banks reported earnings as the week ended and into the weekend. Asia bank earnings season is upon us. However, we note that asset quality indicators at many banks greatly underestimate the level of troubled debt within the institution as forbearance measures remain in place in several operating environments. This is driving provisioning costs lower than would be expected in a more normal operating environment. The value of these earnings reports is significantly diminished for credit investors. As such, credit value should remain driven by larger market forces.Market Outlook: The distraction of another set of impeachment proceedings could turn out to be market friendly if it results in more targeted stimulus. Outside of the Washington beltway, the real issue of how much is too much stimulus as the vaccine is rolled-out will lead to concerns on when the Fed begins to taper its asset purchases. Credit has limited upside in a fast reflation scenario. A slower, more contained, reflation environment could be Emerging Market credit supportive.

Risk Assets Are Supported by a Distracted Congress and Accommodative Fed

Thailand

TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited (ttb) is a financial institution in Thailand offering a comprehensive range of banking and financial products and services. The bank serves retail, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and corporate customers, emphasizing customer-centricity and digital innovation. TMBThanachart Bank is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, and was founded in 1957.

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
Market Cap (USDm)	0.00
P/E	0.00
Dividend (Yield)	0.00

TMBThanachart Bank (TTB TB)

Krung Thai Bank: Overweight This AT1 Gem

Krung Thai offers superior Covid-19 adjusted metrics. Issued at a discount to fair value, its recently issued AT1 bond is a gem for investors.

Hank Calenti, CFA

Pair Trading Ideas - Asian Financials

Pair trades on large cap Asian financials that trade in excess of US$20m a day. These pairs trade in bands versus each other and currently offer...

Brian Freitas

SET50 Index - Proposed Methodology Changes: Scenarios, Names Affected & Impact

The SET has commenced a market consultation on the proposed changes to make its indices free float market cap weighted. We look at the impact on...

Brian Freitas

Bank Credit Compass: Credit Tourist May Vacate if Real Fundamentals Do Not Catch-Up

Credit tourists may vacate if economic growth and real credit fundaments are not delivered. The gap between credit spreads and fundamentals is...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Risk Assets Are Supported by a Distracted Congress and Accommodative Fed

Declining odds on a large US federal stimulus package likely arrested US-dollar strength. A slower, more contained, reflation environment could...

Hank Calenti, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)