RHB Indonesia Morning Cuppa - 14 November 2016 - (Strategy, Current Account Deficit)

Good morning,

Strategy: Currency Woes Dampen Sentiment

Sharp correction in JCI (down 4% on Friday) was mainly triggered by precipitous IDR weakening on external factors, while domestic macro improvements remain on track. We believe fundamentals still point to a resilient IDR, especially given Indonesia’s relatively high levels of growth among major EM economies. Consumer, pharmaceutical, poultry and high-end retailers would be at risk of IDR weakening, while commodities and heavy equipment players tend to benefit. High dividend yield stocks also offer protection in the current volatile market. Maintain LT positive view.

¨ Currency volatility is back on.Fears over potential Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike resulted in IDR falling by up to 3% to IDR13,545/USD onFriday. Considerable IDR weakening could lead to higher production costs and potential cost overruns in certain infrastructure projects, which would lead to higher inflation and growth risks. Strong foreign fund inflows have also increased risks.

¨ Indonesia is still on track for macro improvement, in our view particularly with its rising forex reserve of USD115bn and potential influx of repatriated funds by end-2016. However, the weakening IDR is seen as the main spectre for investors and its occurrence could trigger a market melt-down due to panic selling, shifting focus away from real fundamentals. Thus, BI’s firm response and action would be critical in restoring stability and confidence, in our view. We opine that IDR volatility would still linger before it recovers to IDR13,200/USD by end-2016.

¨ Stronger fundamentals now.There have been several episodes of high IDR volatility, with the last one occurring during 2014-15, when IDR depreciated as much as 30% and JCI suffered 13% losses. In our view, the current situation is different especially given the positive macro environment, in contrast to the subdued economic situation during 2014-15,on BI’s tightening rate policy bias.

¨ BI is already in the market to stabilise the currency given considerable depreciation in IDR, and we view this intervention as plausible to show direction. Current account deficit also remains manageable at 2.1% in 9M16 (3Q16: 1.8%) vs peak of 4.3% in 2014.We expect IDR to weaken slightly to 13,600/USD by 3Q17 on the back of larger current account deficit and potential Fed rate hike.

¨ Resilient IDR. In summary, we opine that fundamentals point to a resilient IDR, underpinned by high yield differentials vs developed market (DM) economies and peers, relatively high levels of growth among major emerging market (EM) economies, and ongoing reforms. Domestic consumption and government-led infrastructure spending also continue to serve as supporting factors for economic growth improvements and we still expect the economy to grow at 5.3% in 2017.

¨ Impact of weakening IDR.IDR weakening would impact corporate earnings through operational currency mismatch and/or forex debt translation. Consumer, pharmaceutical, poultry and high-end retailers have high importation costs and would be at risk. Conversely, exporters such as commodities and heavy equipment players would tend to benefit. Companies with high USD debt would also be negatively impacted if IDR weakening continues.

¨ All in, commodities and high dividend yield stocks offer some shield, in our view. We like London Sumatra and United Tractors as commodity plays, while Indocement Tunggal and Hexindo Adiperkasa offer highest dividend yields. Stocks with strong fundamentals for potential bottom-fishing include Bank Negara Indonesia, Astra International, Ciputra Development, Bumi Serpong Damai, Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Indofood Sukses Makmur and Waskita Karya. (Helmy Kristanto)

Link to report: Currency Woes Dampen Sentiment

Link to Daily report: Indonesia Morning Cuppa - 141116

Economic Highlights:

Current Account Deficit Improves In 3Q, And Surplus In Balance of Payments Continues

¨ Indonesia’s current account deficit (CAD) in the balance of payments (BOP) decreased to USD4.5bn or 1.8% of GDP in 3Q, from a revised –USD5.0bn or -2.2% of GDP in 2Q (-USD4.8bn or -2.2% GDP in 1Q). This was due to a smaller deficit in services account and a larger trade surplus in the goods account, in line with increasing surplus in non-oil & gas trade. Higher deficit in the primary account and lower surplus in the secondary account, however, partly offset the improvement.

¨ The financial account’s inflow, likewise, surged to US9.4bn in 3Q from USD7.5bn in 2Q (+USD4.6bn in 1Q). This was due to higher inflows of foreign direct investment.

¨ As a result, the balance of payments surged to record a surplus of US5.7bn in 3Q, from +USD2.2bn in 2Q and –USD0.3bn in 1Q.

¨ In 9M 2016, the current account deficit increased to USD14.3bn or 2.1% of GDP, from a deficit of USD12.6bn or 1.9% of GDP in 9M 2015. Going forward, we are of the view that the current account deficit will likely widen slightly to 2.2% of GDP in 2016 and 2.4% of GDP in 2017 but remain manageable, on the back of growing imports as the economy recovers. The financial account, however, is projected to record a larger surplus, leading to a surplus in the balance of payments in both years. (Rizki Fajar)

Link to report: Link to be sent out later

Media Highlights:

Corporates

Bank Tabungan Negara to acquire two Danareksa’s subsidiaries

Intiland recorded IDR800bn marketing sales from Regatta II

Wika Gedung plans to raise IDR2.5trn from IPO

HM Sampoerna to divest its cigarette packing subsidiary

Krakatau Steel set right issue price at IDR525

Sentul City to expand to tourism business

Motorbike sales fell by 5.3% in October

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