Temasek Giant Stocks Corporate Actions (淡马锡股)

Having a strong sponsor or major shareholder is crucial for stock investment, especially during period of uncertainty such as COVID-19 stock crisis.  In this article, Dr Tee will review these 7 Temasek stocks with 4 major corporate actions:

1) Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4)

– Abandon of Partial Acquisition by Temasek

2) Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96) & Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51)

– Successful Demerger under Temasek

3) Singapore Airlines, SIA (SGX: C6L)

– Impact of Rights & Bonds Issues for Survival

4) CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U) & CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U)

– Merger of CapitaLand (SGX: C31) Giant REITs with coming change in 30 STI component stock with Keppel DC REIT (SGX: AJBU)

Temasek helps to manage national wealth of Singapore, having over 40 stocks globally with about S$300B investment (淡马锡股). There are at least 26 Temasek / GLC stocks in Singapore, controlling shareholder with 15% or more ownership directly or indirectly:

Singtel (SGX: Z74), DBS Bank (SGX: D05), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L), SIA Engineering (SGX: S59), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), SATS (SGX: S58), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51), Olam (SGX: O32), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Ascott Hospitality Trust (SGX: HMN), Ascendas Hospitality Trust (SGX: Q1P), CapitaLand Retail China Trust (SGX: AU8U), Ascendas-iTrust (SGX: CY6U), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Keppel Reit (SGX: K71U), Keppel DC Reit (SGX: AJBU), Keppel Infrastructure Trust (SGX: A7RU), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), Mapletree NAC Trust (SGX: RW0U).

Temasek stocks portfolio also affect about 15% of STI index stocks, which has strong impact on Singapore stock market. Here are 30 STI component stocks:
DBS Bank (SGX: D05), Singtel (SGX: Z74), OCBC Bank (SGX: O39), UOB Bank (SGX: U11), Wilmar International (SGX: F34), Jardine Matheson Holdings JMH (SGX: J36), Jardine Strategic Holdings JSH (SGX: J37), Thai Beverage (SGX: Y92), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), HongkongLand (SGX: H78), Genting Singapore (SGX: G13), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Jardine Cycle & Carriage (SGX: C07), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), City Development (SGX: C09), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Dairy Farm International (SGX: D01), UOL (SGX: U14), Venture Corporation (SGX: V03), YZJ Shipbldg SGD (SGX: BS6), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), SATS (SGX: S58), ComfortDelGro (SGX: C52).

At the same time, over the past 1 year, there are 4 major corporate actions in these Temasek stocks which worth review here.

1) Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4)

– Abandon of Partial Acquisition by Temasek

The partial acquisition offer by Temasek (increase ownership of Keppel Corp to 51% at price of $7.35/share) was initiated before COVID-19 stock crisis. Under this unprecedented health crisis, global stock market suffers 30-50% correction. Therefore, it does not make sense for Temasek to acquire Keppel Corp at premium price before COVID-19 crisis. 

Keppel Corp was making loss in Q2/2020, providing an option for Temasek to withdraw the acquisition as cash or capital may be more critical for other Temasek stocks during this period of uncertainty. Temasek could also use the money for other better investment, eg. recently increase stake in BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), a giant fund stock with $4.8B which is clearly stronger than Keppel Corp.

Despite it may be a sound decision for Temasek but other Keppel Corp shareholders could be disappointed with share prices falling below critical $5/share support, nearly last 10 years low. Keppel Corp is mainly supported by property segment of business as Oil & Gas segment has been making losses due to low optimism oil prices.

Keppel Corp stock investor may need to align decision making (sell or hold) with own personality. Current share price is low optimism, it would be “Sell Low”. The situation is different from SIA which is also at low optimism share prices but business is making loss. Keppel Corp still has strong property business while oil & gas has strong potential to recover with rising oil prices (higher demand with fading of COVID-19 threat).  It is also an option to copy Temasek action to “Change Horse” (Sell weaker Stock A, Buy stronger Stock B), eg. transferring the capital to invest in stronger giant stocks such as BlackRock.  Afterall, not all could be a patient long term investor for Keppel Corp to regain giant stock title as 10 years ago during bullish Oil & Gas sector.

Although with controlling ownership (over 51% shares), it may be easier to implement potential plan for merging of Keppel O&M with Sembcorp Marine but if outcomes are beneficial to both stocks, a major shareholding (21% of Keppel Corp) may be sufficient to initiate this potential corporate action in future.

2) Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96) & Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51)

– Successful Demerger under Temasek

With abstain of voting by Sembcorp Industries and Temasek, the demerger during EGM is still successful, partly because there is no strong second major shareholder (less than 1% shareholding), especially for Sembcorp Marine.

Fundamentally, parent company Sembcorp Industries (with more defensive utilities and growing land development businesses) is much stronger than subsidiary Sembcorp Marine (declining Oil & Gas over the past 5 years) but 1/3 overlapping in accounting (revenue) has dragged down the share prices of Sembcorp Industries which is tied with the same boat under Oil & Gas crisis.

Therefore, after demerger, Sembcorp Industries share prices generally move higher while Sembcorp Marine is still at relative low price position. In medium term, Sembcorp Industries would become a “new company” without 1/3 negative Oil & Gas business.  In longer term, cyclic Oil & Gas sector could help Sembcorp Marine investors to have higher upside but patience is required.  In general, Sembcorp Industries and Sembcorp Marine are 2 very different type of stocks, differences in share prices would be clearer in future.

Again, Sembcorp stocks investors need to make decision (Buy, Hold, Sell, Wait, Shorting), aligning with own unique personality.  The world of stock market is large, over 1600 global giant stocks, there may be no need to “fall in love” with a stock for life.

3) Singapore Airlines, SIA (SGX: C6L)

– Impact of Rights & Bonds Issues for Survival

Airlines sectors has been in very critical condition, some airlines (without strong sponsor) even go bankrupt as passengers drop over 90% compare with before COVID-19, business could sustain more than 6 months. Vaccine development may take another 6-12 months before COVID-19 crisis could be over.

Impact on Singapore Airlines could be more severe during pandemic as it does not have domestic flights (Singapore is too small), therefore the Rights and Bonds issues came in right time to ensure the company could survive through the most critical 12 months period, before Singapore Airlines could fly again proudly.

However, even after the corporate action, SIA share prices continue to decline, about half price since the beginning of COVID-19, about 1/3 of peak prices (after adjustment of rights issues). In fact, Singapore Airlines business fundamental has been declining gradually over the past decade, not just during pandemic (sudden dip).  This is due to competitive airlines sector which need to provide good services (well known for SIA but at the price of higher cost) at lower price, therefore earnings and profit margin would be affected.

A stock investor needs to carefully select the right industry or sector for investment. During pandemic, healthcare and technology (eg. online / software solution) stocks would have higher chances to recover than airlines stocks. “Buy Low” is reasonable with condition a stock business fundamental is not much affected. It would be a rare opportunity if business of a stock is growing but share prices fall due to fear driven sales during global financial crisis.

4) CapitaLand Mall Trust, CMT (SGX: C38U) & CapitaLand Commercial Trust, CCT (SGX: C61U)

– Merger of CapitaLand (SGX: C31) Giant REITs with coming change in 30 STI component stock with Keppel DC REIT (SGX: AJBU)

CapitaLand is under Temasek portfolio, the 2 giant REITs, CMT and CCT will be merged by end of 2020 to become the third largest REIT in Asia (largest Asian REIT is Link Reit, HKEX: 823). A giant stock may not need to be large in size, internal business strength with strong economic moat is even more crucial.

Merging and demerging are neutral corporate actions, impact depends on the long term plans of major shareholders. Both CMT and CCT are defensive REITs which could generate steady passive incomes (about 5-6% dividend yield, depending on the share prices). However, the growth is slow (but steady), therefore an investor may position as a defender while diversifying capital over a portfolio of other giant stocks including mid-fielders (eg. growth stocks) and strikers (eg. cyclic stocks or momentum stocks).

When CMT and CCT are merged, would form a new stock, CICT with only 1 stock. Therefore, 30 STI index component would invite the next reserve stock, Keppel DC Reit (SGX: AJBU) which is also a REIT but much stronger growth.  The best time to buy a growth stock is usually during global stock crisis (eg. COVID-19 pandemic) with great fear in the market but business continues to make money each month.

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A smart investor may carefully design a portfolio of global giant stocks (defenders, mid-fielders, strikers) while an experienced trader may take action following the trend with S.E.T. (Stop Loss, Entry, Target Prices) in trading plan.

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Zoom will be started 30 min before event, bonus talk (Q&A on any investment topics from readers) for early birds. There are many topics we will cover in this 4hr webinar, Dr Tee can have more time for Q&A if you could stay later after the webinar.

Dr Tee will cover over 20 case studies, Singapore giant stocks, eg. CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Top Glove (SGX: BVA), Jardine Matheson Holdings JMH (SGX: J36), Vicom (SGX: WJP) and many others, Malaysia giant stocks, Hong Kong giant stocks and US giant stocks, both long term investing and short term trading.

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Rights Issue and Demerger of Sembcorp Marine from Sembcorp Industries (难兄难弟)

Rights Issue Demerger Sembcorp Marine Sembcorp Industries Temasek Keppel Corp

Temasek stocks of Sembcorp Industries SGX: U96, parent stock) and Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51, subsidiary stock) just announce 2 bundled corporate actions of rights issue for Sembcorp Marine and then demerger from Sembcorp Industries. In this article, Dr Tee will compare both Sembcorp stocks and share the possible causes and effects of such actions with deeper analysis.

Recently, Temasek stock of Singapore Airlines, SIA (SGX: C6L) just completed the rights and mandatory convertible bonds (MCB) issues to inject extra capital to save the company from Covid-19 crisis encountered in airlines sector with over 90% drop in number of flights. Temasek would become the sponsor to take up additional rights and bonds if not taken up by other shareholders.

Temasek may have modified the “rescue” recipe for another company (Sembcorp) which need helps under both Covid-19 and Crude Oil Crises.  Temasek owns 49.3% of Sembcorp Industries, a parent stock which subsequently owns 61% of Sembcorp Marine from oil & gas sector (see diagram).

The proposed corporate actions are bundle of 2 actions (see diagram), requiring both to pass together to be effective. Sharing here are for educational purpose, please make your own decision in investment.

Rights Issue Demerger Sembcorp Marine Sembcorp Industries Temasek
Rights Issue Demerger Sembcorp Marine Sembcorp Industries Temasek

1) 5-for-1 Rights Issue for Sembcorp Marine

There are a few ways to “borrow money” for a business, eg. borrowing from banks or issue bonds but this would increase the debt level (both Sembcorp Industries and Sembcorp Marine have relatively high level of debt over asset) and additional cost to business with interest of loans. Therefore, an alternative way is to “borrow” money from shareholders through rights issue as this strategy would not increase the debt level and no interest is required. However, if shareholders don’t welcome this move (may be under pressure to invest with new capital), they may reflect the negative sentiment with lower share prices which affect the market cap of company or hidden wealth of shareholders.

Sembcorp Marine hopes to raise S$2.1 billion under 5-for-1 renounceable rights issue at an issue price of $0.20 per share. Based on recent average price of $0.74 for Sembcorp Marine, the theoretical ex-rights price (TERP) is

TERP = [($0.20 x 5) + ($0.74 x 1)] / 6 = $0.29/share

Since the rights are renounceable (similar to previous SIA rights), current shareholders of Sembcorp Marine may either accept the rights (requires extra cash to invest more on this stock) or they could simply sell the rights in stock market at later stage if action is approved. 

Action of rights issue is a neutral corporate action, there is no right or wrong, decision partly depends on how the new capital is used (eg. paying debt, saving company or expanding the business, etc) and also whether a stock has strong business fundamental or strong sponsor.  Similar to SIA, Sembcorp Marine needs additional capital to cope with the current crisis which is even worse, not limited to shorter term Covid-19 crisis (affecting most sectors) but also longer term oil & gas crisis with bearish crude oil price (affecting most oil & gas companies, including Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Corp, SGX: BN4).

When crude oil market was bullish 10 years ago, Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Corp were still giant stocks, doing well with growing businesses. However, when crude oil price dropped from over US$100/barrel since Year 2015 to less than US$50/barrel over the past few years, businesses of Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Corp (business segment of Keppel O&M) turn to negative, becoming losses.

Sembcorp Marine revenue size is about 1/3 of Sembcorp Industries, seriously affecting the earnings of parent company, which could still remain profitable with support of other business segments (energy/utilities and urban) but it has been weaker over the past 5 years.  Keppel O&M (not listed) also contributes to most losses of Keppel Corp which is mainly supported by property segment. Due to prolonged oil & gas crisis over the past 5 years, these 3 Temasek stocks have lost the titles of giant stock (based on Dr Tee criteria): Sembcorp Industries, Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Corp.

Therefore, as a stock investor, decision of whether to take up rights issue is similar to additional investment, whether Sembcorp Marine worth investing. Currently crude oil market is still at low optimism but it is on recovery phase. It might take a few years for customers (oil producers) of Sembcorp Marine and also Keppel Corp (Keppel O&M) to become profitable and increase the capital investment. So, the cold winter of business might be much longer for Sembcorp Marine and Keppel O&M which could be a stopper for recovery of share prices despite at low optimism level.

Besides accepting / selling rights issue, current shareholders also have the option to sell the stock before corporate actions (but price may correct down if mass market views the action negatively).  If the action is “Sell”, a shareholder may not suffer permanent loss if knowing how to “Change Horse”, use the remaining capital (after selling) to “Buy” an oil & gas giant stock or even a non-crisis giant stock on the same day. During oil & gas crisis period of last few years, a few oil & gas companies actually profit from the crisis, eg. those related to oil storage.

Rights Issue Demerger Sembcorp Marine Sembcorp Industries Temasek

2) Demerger of Sembcorp Industries and Sembcorp Marine

Although Sembcorp Marine is only a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries with 1/3 revenue but it contributed to most of the losses of parent company. From the chart below, it is shown that over the past 14 years (since 2006), both Sembcorp Industries and Sembcorp Marine behave more like siblings (难兄难弟), instead of parent-subsidiary relationship, having very close long term stock price trends (key difference is Sembcorp Marine is more volatile than Sembcorp Industries).

This implies 1/3 business connection of 2 Sembcorp stocks have contributed to nearly 90% strong correlation in share prices. Therefore, the proposal of demerger of 2 stocks would help Sembcorp Industries more in longer term. Sembcorp Industries shareholders would get compensation through dividend stocks of between 427 and 491 Sembcorp Marine shares for every 100 Sembcorp Industries shares owned. After demerging, since there is no connection in business, Sembcorp Industries would become more profitable (growing earnings contributed by energy/utilities and urban business segments) without affected by possible losses of Sembcorp Marine. Currently, Sembcorp Marine is as if a negative asset (contributing to losses) to Sembcorp Industries, therefore if parent company could sell away with some compensation, this would help Sembcorp Industries become a giant stock again.

After demerger, Temasek would become direct sponsors (major shareholder) for both companies which would become siblings or even cousins in Temasek family of stocks. The future losses of Sembcorp Marine would be sustained partially by Temasek, not by Sembcorp Industries anymore. In fact, energy/utilities (gas / power / water / waste / renewable energy) business of Sembcorp Industries are defensive in nature, would support the future share prices of “new” Sembcorp stock without “Marine” business segment. The smaller “Urban” segment (land and property development) is only 3% of company revenue but contributes to about 25% of company profits, a highly potential segment to grow further when “burden” of Marine is put aside.

To be fair to Sembcorp Marine, it is a stock with high potential but currently more suitable as crisis stock investing, implying if the potential losses in next few years could be sustainable (partly with help of rights issue), when crude oil price may be back to high optimism as 10 years ago, then Sembcorp Marine could outperform Sembcorp Industries. 

Therefore, after demerging, both Sembcorp stocks would be clearer in personalities with more unique businesses. Sembcorp Industries would be mainly suitable for gradual growth, defensive investor. Sembcorp would be more for crisis stock investor who view high volatility (both potential high losses and high gains) as main driver for capital gains. Of course, a stock investor also has the option not to consider either Sembcorp stocks by selling them or not considering at all.

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Current Sembcorp Industries and Sembcorp Marine shareholders have to make a few decisions in the next few months. With support of Sembcorp Industry as major shareholder, likely the rights issue of Sembcorp Marine could be approved. However, this action is conditional based on the approval by both Sembcorp Marine and Sembcorp Industries for the other action, acceptance of demerger of 2 companies, which both Sembcorp Industries and Temasek would abstain from voting.

In short, the bundled corporation actions ultimately depend on minority shareholders for approval, therefore it is fair from democracy point of view. After excluding Temasek and Sembcorp Industries which are 50-60% ownership in both stocks, remaining minority shareholders are scattered (some are big funds), a simple majority >50% votes is required for both companies to approve the entire package.

Therefore, it may be similar to an election process, hard to predict the outcome unless there is alliance or rally among the minority shareholders.  When 1 “party” feels in disadvantaged position, it may not approve, then whole deal would fail.

There are at least 26 Temasek / GLC stocks in Singapore including Sembcorp Industries and Sembcorp Marine, controlling shareholder with 15% or more ownership directly or indirectly:

Singtel (SGX: Z74), DBS Bank (SGX: D05), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), SIA (SGX: C6L), SIA Engineering (SGX: S59), SGX (SGX: S68), SATS (SGX: S58), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51), Olam (SGX: O32), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Ascott HTrust (SGX: HMN), Ascendas-hTrust (SGX: Q1P), CapitaR China Trust (SGX: Au8U), Ascendas-iTrust (SGX: CY6U), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Keppel Reit (SGX: K71U), Keppel DC Reit (SGX: AJBU), Keppel Infrastructure Trust (SGX: A7RU), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), Mapletree NAC Trust (SGX: RW0U).

Temasek stocks portfolio also affect about 15% of STI index stocks, which has strong impact on Singapore stock market. Here are 30 STI component stocks:
DBS Bank (SGX: D05), Singtel (SGX: Z74), OCBC Bank (SGX: O39), UOB Bank (SGX: U11), Wilmar International (SGX: F34), Jardine Matheson Holdings JMH (SGX: J36), Jardine Strategic Holdings JSH (SGX: J37), Thai Beverage (SGX: Y92), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), HongkongLand (SGX: H78), Genting Singapore (SGX: G13), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Jardine Cycle & Carriage (SGX: C07), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), City Development (SGX: C09), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Dairy Farm International (SGX: D01), UOL (SGX: U14), Venture Corporation (SGX: V03), YZJ Shipbldg SGD (SGX: BS6), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), SATS (SGX: S58), ComfortDelGro (SGX: C52).

The results of SIA rights issue and subsequently the Sembcorp resolutions, could give some direction of what possible actions to take for other Temasek stocks which may need help in business. Among the 30 STI component stocks with Temasek control (over 15% share ownership), these 4 Temasek stocks would need more help: Singapore Airlines, Sembcorp Industries (linked to Sembcorp Marine which was STI component stock before) and Keppel Corp.

So, regardless the outcome of Sembcorp actions, Temasek may also consider other options in future, eg. demerger of Keppel O&M from Keppel Corp, merging with Sembcorp Marine for cost saving of 2 oil & gas companies.  For all the actions, there is a positive common point, which they all have a strong sponsor, Temasek.  It is a bonus to have a strong sponsor but a business still needs good management with right strategies for each of the business sector. These performances would be reflected in both yearly financial reports and daily stock prices, especially for longer term trends. So, it may not be difficult for a stock investor to make a sound decision (Buy, Hold, Sell, Wait, Shorting), aligning the right Temasek stock with own personality, supported by growing business.

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On surface, this topic seems to be just on corporate actions of 2 Sembcorp stocks. When understanding further, it requires understanding of 2 current financial crisis, Crude Oil crisis and Covid-19 crisis, when they may end or fade away. When going to another deeper level, it may also involve political economy and global stock market, especially potential impact of US-China trade war. So, a stock investor should master at least 5 key LO-FTP strategies (Levels 1-4, Optimism, Fundamental, Technical, Personal Analysis).

There are 30 STI index component stocks including Sembcorp Industries (investor has to focus only on giant stocks for investing):
DBS Bank (SGX: D05), Singtel (SGX: Z74), OCBC Bank (SGX: O39), UOB Bank (SGX: U11), Wilmar International (SGX: F34), Jardine Matheson Holdings JMH (SGX: J36), Jardine Strategic Holdings JSH (SGX: J37), Thai Beverage (SGX: Y92), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), Hongkong Land (SGX: H78), Genting Singapore (SGX: G13), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Jardine Cycle & Carriage (SGX: C07), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), City Development (SGX: C09), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Dairy Farm International (SGX: D01), UOL (SGX: U14), Venture Corporation (SGX: V03), YZJ Shipbldg SGD (SGX: BS6), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), SATS (SGX: S58), ComfortDelGro (SGX: C52).

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Temasek Acquires Crisis Stock Keppel Corp (趁虚而入)

Temasek acquires Keppel Corp BN4 stock

Temasek has offered partial acquisition to Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4) shareholders at the price of $7.35/share up to 51% ownership over 1 year period (with some conditions applied). Since this is not a full acquisition, some investors may be confused of what is fair price for Keppel Corp. Let’s study this acquisition offer in details.

Temasek owns 20.45% of Keppel Corp, intending to purchase shares owned by remaining shareholders (100 – 20.45% = 79.55%) to top up to 51% (still need 51% – 20.45% = 30.55%). So, it is partial acquisition of 30.55/79.55 = 38.4%. It means for every 1000 shares, 384 unit will be acquired.

The offer price of Temasek at $7.35 is about 20% premium over the average price before acquisition, aligned with several other acquisitions in Singapore. However, it only has 38.4% power, not the same as 100% power as other full acquisition (eg. Breadtalk current acquisition offer of $0.77, price would surge near to this price overnight after the announcement). Assuming the Keppel Corp share price is $5/share (on certain day), the theoretical share price after 38.4% partial acquisition = $5 + (7.35 – $5) x 0.384 = $5.90/share. Reader may replace this equation of $5 share price with any latest share price of Keppel Corp before acquisition.

Over the past 1 month of global stock crisis, Singapore stocks fall by about 30% in average but Keppel Corp only falls about 20%, aligning with 38.4% potential acquisition by Temasek which is about 1/3, therefore the stock corrections is also reduced by about 1/3 from 30% to 20%.

It means the global stock crisis still has about 60% impact on Keppel Corp prices. Therefore, an investor has to make decision mainly based on global stock crisis and current stock market condition with Keppel Corp value, not to assume price would recover to $7.35/share price eventually.

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Keppel Corp is a diversified corporation with 4 businesses: offshore &marine, property, infrastructure and investment. The 2 main pillars are Property (Keppel Land, contributing to about 50% company profits) and Oil & Gas (Keppel O&M, main source of losses over the past few years). Over the past 5 years after the oil price fell from $100 to $27/barrel, Keppel Corp suffers directly as main clients reduce the capital expenditure (eg. oil rigs), therefore Oil & Gas becomes a losing segment. 

Since 2015 crude oil crisis, Keppel Corp has temporary lost the giant stock title, currently a marginal giant (likely will become giant stock again after oil & gas sector recovery). Luckily Keppel Corp still has 50% earnings from Property (eg. Keppel Land and Keppel Reit), even Oil & Gas is a loss for several years (recovering to small profits in last 1 year), the entire company as a whole could still make a profit. Compared with competitor or sibling, Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51, also owned by Temasek through Sembcorp Industries) which has full risk exposure to oil & gas crisis, losing money for several years, resulting in share prices falling from $5 to $0.70 (last 17 years low).

Some may think it is “cheaper” to invest in Sembcorp Marine stock (85% correction) compared to Keppel Corp stock ($13 falling to $5/share during oil & gas crisis, about 60% correction). This comparison is only valid if both companies are giant stocks (which are not) because “crisis is not opportunity” if business fundamental is weak, eg for the case of Sembcorp Marine. For Keppel Corp, it is still a 50% giant stock due to strong property business. Therefore, investor of Keppel Corp is actually investing in value of Keppel Corp property (main value) while taking advantage of falling share price (due to Oil & Gas crisis). It was a good move in year 2015 (beginning of oil & gas crisis) for Keppel Corp to offer full acquisition of Keppel Land which 100% profits of property business goes to Keppel Corp, offset the losses in Oil & Gas segment in Keppel O&M.

Assuming Temasek could successfully own 51% of Keppel Corp by end of 2020, it is a full control of company. This may allow possibilities of strategic merging of Temasek subsidiaries companies (eg. Keppel O&M and Sembcorp Marine) or restructuring of Temasek companies, eg. Keppel Corp and Sembcorp Industries (Temasek nearly has 50% control), etc, to maximize the asset values.

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During crude oil crisis with Keppel Corp at low optimism prices, Temasek leverages on crisis to have majority control of Keppel Corp at reasonable low price of $7.35/share. This also provides an option for Keppel Corp investors to sell for 20% profit. However, the global stock crisis has disturbed the plans as prices of Keppel Corp are falling even lower than before acquisition news. 

Analysis on Keppel Corp is beyond stock and Temasek, also requires understanding of property market and crude oil commodity market. So, it is a stock with complicated interactions of market signals, reflecting in final share prices. 

Temasek acquires Keppel Corp BN4

Here is a special Ein55 style, 50% Discount Method for investing in Keppel Corp during crisis (with or without Temasek acquisition) with multiple entries to fight against unknown market crisis ahead. Assuming $10 is a common high level prices (occurred during when economy and crude oil market are bullish), an investor may apply 50% discount in prices each time before each multiple low due several unforeseen market crisis.

$10 = High Level Price (potential future selling price level)

$5 = Crude Oil & Stock Crisis (3 times in 2009, 2016, 2020) after 50% discount x $10

$2.50 = Global Financial Crisis (17 years low) after another 50% discount x $5

$1.25 = Great Depression (20 years low) after another 50% discount x $2.50

This is a non-linear version of multiple entries for very conservative investor who hopes to buy low but afraid of prices could get lower. Assuming all the crisis come (hopefully not), this is average price after 3 entries (like Keppel Corp with property pillar could still survive):

($5 + $2.50 + $1.25) / 3 = $2.92

This is lower than using linear average down method at low optimism (assuming 3 entries with $1 lower each time):

($5 + $4 + $3) / 3 = $4

Each method (linear or non-linear 50% discount) has its benefits. Linear method is more likely to achieve in practical market, for those who wish to reduce downside risk through averaging (eg. 3 times x 33% capital). Non-linear method is for very conservative investor, demanding 50% discount each time before willing to take out precious cash from the pocket for investment. During the long holding period (could be 1-3 years, depending on severity of crisis), Keppel Corp investor may be given an average of 4-5% dividend yield (past 10+ years record), assuming the dividend is also cut by 50% due to crisis, one could still get about 2% dividend yield which is higher than fixed deposit in banks with 1% interest rate. After the crisis is over, assuming the average entry price is only $5 (only 1 crisis experienced), an investor may not need to sell at $10 average high prices for 100%, could even sell near to Temasek fair acquisition price of $7.35 which is over 40% higher than $5 price.

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Charlie Munger (partner of Warren Buffett) said the big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting. Global stock crisis may happen only every 5 to 10 years. Similar to a lion ambushed, waiting patiently for target, when opportunity comes near, only then strike for higher chance of winning. It is the same for current global stock crisis, for investors “ambushed” for many years, it could be the right time to plan for a strategy to take action in stocks.

Frankly speaking, there are over 100 global giant property stocks and 44 global oil & gas giant stocks (based on Dr Tee criteria), which are much stronger than Keppel Corp. Some of these giant stocks are also falling in prices 20% – 50% recently, “Crisis is Opportunity” investing in these growing business (value) with significant discount in prices.

There are at least 26 Temasek / GLC stocks in Singapore including Keppel Corp, controlling shareholder with 15% or more ownership directly or indirectly (investor needs to focus only on giant Temasek stocks):
Singtel (SGX: Z74), DBS Bank (SGX: D05), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L), SIA Engineering (SGX: S59), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), SATS (SGX: S58), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), Sembcorp Marine (SGX: S51), Olam (SGX: O32), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Ascott Hospitality Trust (SGX: HMN), Ascendas Hospitality Trust (SGX: Q1P), CapitaLand Retail China Trust (SGX: AU8U), Ascendas-iTrust (SGX: CY6U), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Keppel Reit (SGX: K71U), Keppel DC Reit (SGX: AJBU), Keppel Infrastructure Trust (SGX: A7RU), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), Mapletree NAC Trust (SGX: RW0U).

Temasek stocks portfolio also affect about 15% of STI index stocks, which has strong impact on Singapore stock market. Here are 30 STI component stocks:
DBS Bank (SGX: D05), Singtel (SGX: Z74), OCBC Bank (SGX: O39), UOB Bank (SGX: U11), Wilmar International (SGX: F34), Jardine Matheson Holdings JMH (SGX: J36), Jardine Strategic Holdings JSH (SGX: J37), Thai Beverage (SGX: Y92), CapitaLand (SGX: C31), Ascendas Reit (SGX: A17U), Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L), ST Engineering (SGX: S63), Keppel Corp (SGX: BN4), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), HongkongLand (SGX: H78), Genting Singapore (SGX: G13), Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U), Jardine Cycle & Carriage (SGX: C07), Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX: ME8U), City Development (SGX: C09), CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), CapitaLand Commercial Trust (SGX: C61U), Mapletree Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU), Dairy Farm International (SGX: D01), UOL (SGX: U14), Venture Corporation (SGX: V03), YZJ Shipbldg SGD (SGX: BS6), Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96), SATS (SGX: S58), ComfortDelGro (SGX: C52).

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